Encouragement for Today

January 23, 2025 When Fear Tries To Take Over LYSA TERKEURST Lee en español

“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV)

Fear is something I battle regularly.

I have to work at not living in the harshness of the worst-case scenario. When I’m triggered by a small fear, instead of taming this thought, I often feed it, magnify it. Everything gets blown out of proportion because I convince myself that only my self-protection will help me avoid the worst-case scenario.

One time, this happened when my 15-year-old daughter announced she wanted to spend her summer with a missionary family in a remote African village. The minute she told us, my mind started racing through all the dangerous possible scenarios. Fear overwhelmed my emotions to the point where I couldn’t hear any of the details she was sharing. I quickly and sternly said, “Absolutely not!”

She tried to plead her case, but I kept saying no.

The look of hurt and confusion on her face kept popping into my mind. I felt utterly conflicted. I wanted what was best for her, but my fear kept overriding any consideration of letting her go. I wanted to protect her, but my desire turned into control the moment I refused to pray and seek God about it. Anytime I want my way more than wisdom, I stop checking my desires with God and easily go astray.

When we’re fearful of losing control, we distrust God. When we try to take control, we ultimately leave no room for God to be God.

Eventually, I felt like God was saying to my heart, The safest place for your daughter is in the center of My will.

Still afraid and anxious, I slowly opened my heart to the possibility of her taking this trip. My fears were not unfounded. But as I released control of the situation, I gained a deeper sense of trusting God that if all the details worked out, I wouldn’t let my fear hold my daughter back.

Have you ever done something similar, turning a concern into a big, all-caps FEAR?

For me, when fear emerges in my heart, it then tends to feed my doubts. Before I know it, I’m attempting to control things around me to get my fear under control. I’ve learned this is when I must respond to my fear in faith based on what God’s Word says:

“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7).

That summer mission trip did more to grow my daughter’s faith in God than anything else she’d ever experienced. God had a plan, and I’m so grateful my desire to control fearful situations didn’t derail that experience.

Though this happened over 10 years ago, I think about that situation as other fears emerge in my life. Remembering God’s Truth and His faithfulness through that experience has helped me fight my fear.

I don’t know what worst-case scenarios are trying to steal your peace right now, sweet friend. But I do know this: God is in total control and holds our lives in His hands.

God, thank You for reminding me that the safest place to be is always in the center of Your will. I’m releasing control to You today, choosing to remember and believe that You are good. I can trust You at all times. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

OUR FAVORITE THINGS

When fear grips our hearts, it can feel like our trust in God is shaky too. Maybe you find yourself asking: God, where is Your goodness in this? Friend, please know you are not alone in these struggles. Lysa TerKeurst has been in your shoes and deeply understands. But she’s also learned this truth: There will always be gaps in the trust we have with people, but there are no gaps in the trustworthiness of God. That’s why she’s creating special, one-night events on the Trust Again Tour during spring 2025 with worship leader Tasha Layton. Each night will be filled with powerful worship, biblical teaching and practical takeaways to help you experience healing in your heart, mind and soul. See if Lysa is coming to a city near you!

ENGAGE

Find real-life encouragement when you connect with Lysa TerKeurst here on Instagram.

FOR DEEPER STUDY

Psalm 34:4, “I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears” (NIV).

What’s one example from your life where God’s past faithfulness and His Truth have helped you better handle your fear?

We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments.

© 2025 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved.