FEAR AND WORRY

Teresa of Avila (1515-1582) wrote, “Let us leave our fears in the Beloved’s hands and let us forget the weakness of our nature which causes us so much worry.” This is easy to say and often very difficult to do.

Megan Don writes concerning this quote from Teresa, “Our fear and worries begin in our imaginations. First, we think about and see obstacles, real or imagined, before us. These thoughts and images then produce fear, which ripples through the body. Next, we start to worry, as we imagine all the possible outcomes that could ever occur and try to think of ways to prevent their happening. We become victims of fearful thought, and it continues to grow until we are able to release ourselves from its grip. But what is this fear, and why does it have such a strong hold over us?”

Perhaps the greatest challenge to our faith is being creatures of control. Fear comes from not being in control and the function of the Holy Spirit is to replace our control with his. This submission is an ongoing and forever process.

Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Jesus