Do you ever struggle with fears about the future? How about when unexpected hardships show up? Perhaps your thoughts quickly land on the sinking sand of what might happen or go wrong? Recently I found myself in this predicament, scrambling to halt my thoughts until I remembered three helpful ways to stop fearing the unknown.
It is incredible how quickly we can go down the path of fearing the unknown when life unexpectedly hurts to the core. For me, it starts with utter shock and disbelief at my predicament, then pain follows, and before I know it, my mind turns to a million thoughts about what might happen.
Now I am not a newbie to struggles, challenges, or unexpected circumstances, and I am not much of a worrier. So I’m always surprised when I find myself fearing the unknown. However, it does happen occasionally, and knowing what to do is a huge help.
Perhaps three of the tools I used recently will help you should you find yourself in the middle of fearing the unknown. #fear #unknown Click To TweetThree Helpful Ways to Stop Fearing the Unknown
1. Stay in the Present Moment
Unchecked, our minds in the middle of suffering tend to jump ahead to the future of what else might go wrong. Or thinking we can’t handle what is before us. Instead, we must stay in the present moment.
Haven’t you found that a mindset set of fear will not help you tackle the unexpected but instead leave you exasperated and worried?
After all, in the middle of the unexpected, persevering one moment at a time is more doable. We don’t need to take on the future nor linger in the past pain, as this current moment carries enough joy and pain all by itself.
Fearing the unknown of what might come to fruition will not fuel us to handle the current hardship. Yet, the worry will drain us of the energy we need for the present moment. #fear #worry #moments Click To TweetLet your goal be to get through this moment, not all the years ahead.
2. Remember Our Trust is in God
Sometimes we need to recalibrate and look at where we are putting our faith. Is it man, ourselves, someone else, or Jesus? A simple reminder that we already chose to trust God will help us stop fearing the unknown. For others, it will be the first time you decide to trust the Lord.
A look back to recall all that the Lord has done may help us trust and recognize we have nothing to fear; we are not alone. A journal to keep these reflections is a treasure on fearful days. The penned words may help ease you into letting God have your trust and fears.
It helps me say, “Okay, God, I don’t understand; I don’t like my circumstance; however, I choose to trust you.
3. When You Can’t Stop the Fear of the Unknown
Once in a while, it seems impossible to push the fear of the unknown away for me. In these times, I allow myself to go to that dark place of the“what- if’s.” Upon arrival, I always realize God will be there, and I am no longer afraid or alone.
A Simple Prayer Can Help
Lord,
Keep me in the present moment. Let my thoughts stay right here with you. Please help me stop fearing the unknown and remember you are with me, and I trust you. Amen.
What is your best practice to stop fearing the unknown?
For more, read—”How to Embrace Worry in the Unexpected.”
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Featured Post
This week, our featured post from Jeanne Takenaka has excellent insights into overcoming fear with some specific steps we can take. I hope her words help put a blanket of peace over your concerns as she points us to God.
Now for our Featured Post
How to Overcome Fear in Our Minds
By Jeanne Takenaka
Today, our featured post on Grace & Truth Link-Up is written by Jeanne Takenaka—“How to Overcome Fear in Our Minds” #graceandtruth #featuredpost #graceandtruth Click To Tweet
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What tools I use to help me face the UNKNOWN is to have a eternal perspective that this life is not all there is. Looking forward to my eternal Home that Jesus is preparing for us is what keeps me going in the midst of hardships, loneliness and struggles that I face daily. I like what Apostle Paul asked us to do: ” Keep seeking the things that are above and not on things on the earth. Set your affections on things above and not on this earth. What kept him going in his hardships is keep a HEAVENLY Eternal perspective.
Kalyani, Yes, yes, yes, we must keep our eyes on what is above. Although this is hard to do while suffering. It sure does help to remember this life is only temporary and what awaits us will be amazing. Thank you for sharing what helps. Blessings to you, Maree
My dear, it is alot easier said than done!! I have gone through horrific and excruciating painful circumstances where there was no family or friends to comfort or speak words of encouragement. There were occasionally friends to comfort me take me to the psychiatric clinic for ECT and doctors appointment but they had their own struggles and their own life. More than most of the times I was completely all alone and suffering untold depression and extreme loneliness along with terrible nauseous side effects with my meds. But GOD was there even though I can’t see Him or feel Him. It is so extremely hard to walk by faith. There was NO ONE to cook for me or check up on me…it brings me to tears as I write this…
Kalyani, I agree it is challenging to stop fearing the unknown. My heart aches that you were physically alone to go through your pain much of the time. I’m so glad that you knew God was near. Although I have never felt your suffering, I have watched those close to me, and I can see that it is torturous. Thank you for not giving up and sharing in this space. I know it gives others hope. Maree
Great strategies Maree. I have learnt over the years to go straight to the Lord.
Realising that I can’t control the future, just as I can’t control the present but I can control my actions in the present & that is to place it all in His hands.
And this may have to be a consistent action on my part in overwhelming circumstances. 😉
Blessings,
Jennifer
I love that you go straight to God. However, that is my desire; I find myself veering off track sometimes. Consistency is key! I hope your week has started great! Maree
Great advice. A lot of times our fears springs up when we try to ascertain the future instead of taking just the step God has in front of us. And squarely facing the “what-ifs” helps defang them when we realize God will be with us and help us in any circumstance.
Barbara, Thank you for pointing me back to what I know. This moment today is what matters. I was having a moment right now worrying about the future. Blessings, Maree
My friend quips she is “fearfully made.” I could say the same. Jesus obviously knew that. His words, “Don’t worry about tomorrow,” have spoken to me many times.
Those words, “Don’t worry about tomorrow,” speak to me too. Thank you for repeating them here in the comments. I needed to hear those today. Maree
Maree, I love your thoughts on fear, friend. And this: “in the middle of the unexpected, persevering one moment at a time is more doable. We don’t need to take on the future nor linger in the past pain, as this current moment carries enough joy and pain all by itself.” YES.
I’m blessed you featured me. Thank you!
The blessing was all mine. Your post was fabulous!. Maree
Great topic and words for the days we are living in – hard to keep fear at bay – but with Jesus all fear is turned to courage to press into Him more and know He’s right here with us.
Paris, You are so right; it is “harder to keep fear at bay” in our world today. I love what you said, “But with Jesus, all fear is turned to courage.” Pondering today that my fear will turn to courage with my eyes fixed on Jesus. Thank you. Maree