Breaking Free From Anxiety & Fear of the Unknown

☀️📖👉 Fear of the unknown can be crippling. In a 2016 paper published by The Journal of Anxiety Disorders, fear of the unknown was suggested to be the “fundamental fear” of humanity. 
This fear is the foundation on which nearly all other fears are built, including social anxiety, raising a family, abandonment, physical pain, future health, upcoming bills, approaching retirement, aging, and death. 


Fear of the unknown locks us in an emotional straight jacket because our brains don’t have the information needed to choose between fight or flight. As a result, we feel trapped, vulnerable, and helpless.

I’ve experienced the high anxiety and agitation of this type of fear many times in my own life, and it is a terrible feeling to be trapped in. 

But what's the secret to breaking free from anxiety and fear of the unknown? 

Last year, my wife and I went to New Orleans and went out to explore the alligator swamps. We saw about a dozen gators in all, and one of them was nearly 12 feet long. These gators were hungry, had razor-sharp teeth, and tracked us the entire time we were in the swamp. 

We have no idea how to interact with gators, and if we had been alone, we would have been terrified. Despite the danger, we were never scared. We had a great time, took photos, and even laughed with amazement at how incredibly ferocious and powerful they were. 

Why were we so carefree around these ferocious predators? It’s simple. We were with a guide. We didn’t know the gators, but we trusted in the guide who did. 
Last Sunday, we had a Brazilian couple with us who left everything behind in Brazil to plant a Portuguese-speaking for immigrants in Austin. Making a move like that was very scary because they had no idea what the future would hold. 

Where would they live, how would they make a living, and would anyone even come to their church? Who would they have Sunday afternoon lunch with, and who would celebrate their birthdays with them? 

How did they overcome the towering fear of so many questions they didn’t know? They are courageous in the face of uncertainty because they trust Jesus, the guide who knows everything. 

They trust His character, faithfulness, and love. They may not know what is ahead of them but they know who is ahead of them and that is enough to keep them stepping forward. 

How about you? As you read these verses, reflect on your own life. Is there anything, even small, God is calling you to do, but the fear of the unknown is holding you back? What would happen if you took your eyes off the uncertainty of how it would turn out and fixed your eyes on the One who has promised to work all things for your good? 

📖 Isaiah 41:9-10
I brought you from the ends of the earth and called you from its farthest corners. I said, ‘You are My servant.’ I have chosen and not rejected you. Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My right hand of righteousness.

📖 Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

📖 Hebrews 12:1-2
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

📖 Matthew 14:26-29
When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. 

But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” 

“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” 

“Come,” he said.

🙏🏼 Pause and pray, listen for the voice of Jesus. Give Him all the things you are uncertain about. Let go of fear and receive faith from the One who knows the future. The one who loves you and has promised to work all things together for those who love him and are called to His purposes. Commit today to follow Him throughout your day. Shift your focus from what you don’t know and say yes to the One you know. Listen for His voice and act courageously when He calls you to an assignment or prompts you to love someone on His behalf. 

If you are looking for a supportive community to help you overcome anxiety and grow in your faith, the Beat Church in Round Rock, Texas, has room for you. We are a garage, not a showroom. At The Beat, you don’t have to fake it until you make it. Come as you are and let’s make this journey together. 
Drop a comment below and share what this devotional is stirring in you  💬👇👇

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