The Flame Within

“Do Not Be Afraid.” — Jesus

I came across a news article this afternoon about a horrific event that happened last week in the city where I live. An evil person randomly attacked a woman during a home invasion.

According to the article, she remains in critical condition. This is terribly frightening, and my heart breaks for her and her family. I do not know this lady, but I have been praying for her recovery. At the time I’m writing this, the suspect has not been caught.

When I heard the news, I noticed something happening inside myself. Fear crept into my spirit, and I became “suddenly” more aware of unlocked doors, people walking by, and potential danger.

As I was driving today, I kept thinking about this horrific story and realized I had been replaying it in my mind over and over. Every unfamiliar car, every unusual sound, every “what if” suddenly felt significant. I’m always careful about safety, but I am not always fearful. Fear began to settle within my spirit.

Then, as I was driving home, I realized I was caught in an unhelpful rumination cycle. As a counselor, I help clients recognize and manage these harmful thought patterns. Thus, I began to practice what I preach. I started to pray and speak truth into the spiral that was causing angst in my spirit. I prayed about it, asked God for wisdom, and refused to allow fear to ruin my evening.

I consciously stated the facts in my mind.

This is not an imminent threat. No one is actively trying to break into my home.

Right now, I am safe. My family is safe. We are okay.

I then moved to, “What can I do about it?”

I can pray. Give it to God. Seek wisdom on extra-cautious strategies to be especially careful until the man is behind bars.

It is essential to take action steps to be wise in these situations, but fear is unnecessary.

There’s an important difference.

Wisdom says, “Lock your doors. Stay aware. Pay attention.”

Fear says, “You’re not safe anywhere.”

Two very different messages. One comes from the enemy, and one comes from God’s gift of wisdom and protection.

You see, our brains are designed to protect us. When we hear about something frightening, especially something close to home, our brains begin scanning for danger everywhere. That doesn’t mean danger is actually everywhere. It means our nervous systems are doing what they were designed to do. This is the mechanism God provided to help ensure our survival and safety.

The goal isn’t to ignore risk.

The goal is to respond appropriately without allowing fear to become our constant companion.

So yes, I’ll be more intentional about locking my doors. I’ll keep extra watch over my family.

I’ll stay aware of my surroundings.

But I refuse to surrender my peace to something that isn’t happening in this moment. I refuse to live in fear of the unknown.

Sometimes the healthiest thing we can do is gently remind ourselves:

“I can be vigilant without being fearful.”

That is where wisdom lives. This is where we find peace in this broken and imperfect world. Wisdom and peace coexist when unnecessary fear is kept at bay.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7)

Reflection:

Where have you noticed fear quietly influencing your thoughts or behaviors lately?

What is one truth you can speak over that fear today?

What wise, practical step can you take without allowing fear to take control?

Ask God for wisdom, take the next right step, and then rest in the peace that comes from knowing He is with you. We were never meant to live in fear, but we are called to walk in wisdom.

Take a moment to pause, breathe, and invite God into whatever is weighing on your heart. Read these Scriptures and rest in the Lord.

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

Isaiah 41:10
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Psalm 56:3–4
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”

Proverbs 3:21–26
“Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the Lord will be at your side and will keep your foot from being snared.”

Philippians 4:6–7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God… will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Psalm 121:7–8
“The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”

Joshua 1:9
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Blessings,

Crystal Ridlon, LPC