How to Deal With the Three Ugly Stepsisters: Worry, Doubt, Fear
Sometimes people believe many of the “right” things about God and have fairly solid theology, yet their lives seem none the better for it. How can this be? Often we have rebellious rumblings under the surface of our consciousness. They can go undetected unless we take time to allow them to surface and intentionally address them.
Worry is one such rumbling that can rob our spiritual lives. It is a deceptive thought/feeling. It can make us feel like we are being responsible when we are not. Worry never helps a situation. Jesus told His disciples not to worry about their lives, clothes or food. He asked, “Who by worrying can add one hour to their life?” (Luke 12:24) Paul said not to worry or be anxious about anything, but instead to
bring our concerns to God. (Philippians 4:6) Peter exhorts us to cast all our anxiety upon the Lord who cares for us. (1 Peter 5:7)
Doubt can also creep into our relationship with God. We may start to wonder if our faith in God is real. We might wonder if He is real, or if He is who we have believed Him to be, or if He cares and/or will lead, protect or direct us. Doubt may be operating in our lives without us even noticing it. Honestly battling doubt is part of growing in faith. We are also to be merciful to others who doubt. (Jude 22) At the same time, we must learn with Thomas to “Stop doubting and believe." (John 20:27)
When worry and doubt have taken root in our soul, fear can start to grip our lives. Negative scenarios may become our obsession. The future might seem like a dark, confined or hopeless place where bad things could happen. Over and over again, however, we are urged in Scripture not be afraid, and to realize that our lives are in God’s hands.
Let me suggest a simple 10-20 minute exercise that can help you remove the influences of Worry, Doubt and Fear:
- Take a moment and get some space alone.
- Silence input – turn off media, phones, etc.
- Still yourself – calm your soul, detaching yourself from other concerns to wholly be “with” the Lord.
- Sit in a chair and prepare yourself for a “Palms Down – Palms Up” exercise.
- Place your hands on your knees, with your palms facing down.
- Take time – holy, leisurely time – to allow any feelings of worry (related to relationships, circumstances, etc.) to arise in your soul. Acknowledge them – and then intentionally let them go – in the name of Jesus. Slowly, unhurriedly – release the thoughts and the feelings.
- Do the same thing with doubt and fear. Take your time. Take a few slow cleansing breaths, and thank God for taking the negatively influencing thoughts and feelings away.
- Now turn your palms up.
- Take this time to receive hope – in the place of worry – in the same areas you addressed before – and beyond. Take your time to receive and to let the hope settle in your heart.
- Do the same to replace doubt with faith, and to replace fear with love. Let God’s love seep over your soul. Receive His love for you – release His love into the settings and relationships that were causing you fear.
This powerful form of meditation can be life transforming – if you will practice it!
~ Coach Tom
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