Devotional | How to Overcome a Season of Fear

I’ve never been an adventure seeker. I don’t ride rollercoasters, nor am I interested in bungee jumping, parasailing, rock climbing, skydiving, or other risky sports or activities. A safe life has held enough excitement for me. When booking a hotel room, however, I avoid the lower floors as much as possible. I prefer higher floors that get me off street level and provide a view. I like to set up my camera and shoot unobstructed pictures of mountains, deserts, and cities, depending on the location. However, on a recent trip to New York City, I wondered if I had entered into a season of fear.

It All Started with a Window

I was excited to learn that our room was on the twenty-fourth floor with views over the streets of Harlem, where we were staying. On a clear day, we could look miles in the distance over rooftops. The lights from stores and businesses illuminated the nighttime activities. No furniture buffered access to the floor-to-ceiling window in the room that stretched the entire wall length. I felt as if I could walk outside in a few short steps through the clear glass. Fear fluttered within me as I looked onto the busy streets below. The people and cars seemed miles down. Illogical imaginations filled my mind. What ifs and questions replaced the awe of the view with anxiety. I felt afraid. Was I developing vertigo? Was this my season of fear? I even wondered if fear was a byproduct of aging.

I had never been bothered by heights in my youth. As we age, we learn about possibilities and consequences. We experience them and carry our responses within us. From there, these experiences influence and change us.

If we touch fire, we will get burned.

Turbulence happens in choppy wind conditions as planes ascend to cruising altitudes or approach landing strips.

Weather is unpredictable and can cause destruction.

And the window? My husband assured me I couldn’t create the force needed to breach it. Despite his reassurance, I wrestled with uneasiness. How could I conquer this fear so it did not ruin my vacation?

Turn to God for Comfort

First, I turned to God for comfort. My acknowledgment of fear brought me to the Psalms for comfort. David’s gamut of emotions is spread across the pages of the Bible to provide wisdom and edification. For example, after Samuel anointed him, David lived knowing he was the successor to a jealous, volatile king. King Saul repeatedly and openly attempted to kill him. In 1 Samuel 19, Saul, consumed by an evil spirit, threw a spear at David, trying to pin him to the wall.

This was only one incident that caused David to flee. Even as Saul pursued him, David depended on God for deliverance. In response to God’s faithfulness in his distress, David declared, “I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.” True deliverance from fear comes from God: The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? The LORD is on my side as my helper; I shall look in triumph on those who hate me. (Psalm 118:6-7)

Trust His Presence

Then, armed with promises from God, I needed to trust His presence. The Lord is on our side, no matter what fears may disquiet our spirits. Adversity presents itself in many ways. Fear may originate from within or without. We need not fear perceived dangers such as my recent aversion to heights or threats from those who wish us emotional, mental, or physical harm. God is on our side. He can deliver us from all our fears. He has already given us the victory.