The habit of fear takes a lot of energy and becomes an ingrained, unhealthy, meaningless way of life. We fear not having any friends. We fear unemployment. We fear our boss. We fear being rejected. We fear failure. We fear success. We fear going hungry. We fear not having the right clothes. We fear strangers. We fear our identities may be stolen. We fear the next generation will stop going to church. We fear illness. We fear growing old. We fear death. We fear we are unlovable.
We have the illusion of being in control when we worry and fret and focus on what might go wrong. We think we are preparing ourselves for any eventuality, but we are really wearing down our inner resources and becoming spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically depleted.
Fear is the problem. Seeking God is the solution. With God we find faith that gives us the strength to face every problem that surfaces. With God we find hope that leads us to see goodness and beauty wherever we look. With God we find unconditional love that helps us to let go of fear and live in joy.
Ponder: What fears do I need to release to God?
Prayer: Lord, you are the source of love and life. Help me to seek you when I am afraid. Remove my fears that I may live in peace with my neighbors.
Practice: Today I will pray for faith in GodÕs love and care; I will fast from fear; I will pray the “Our Father.”
Adapted from Mindful Meditations for Every Day of Lent and Easter
by Rev. Warren J. Savage and Mary Ann McSweeny (Liguori Publications, © 2011).