I’ve recently discovered that the bible repeats a variation of “do not be afraid” more than any other phrase. This shook me a little. In that case, I’m not really doing the thing God keeps telling me to do. To “be still,” “fear not,” and “take refuge [in the lord].”
It’s been a lot of years with a similar cycle: I get a general sense of fear, go over every reason to justify that fear, and then…go over those fears again.
I think I’m being responsible–I won’t let my inferior brain with its limited scope get in the way of trying to research heavily, painstakingly search through every scenario, and then make a truly informed decision. But the funny thing about rumination is that thoughts begin to rule you, and not the other way around.
Anxiety is a Tough Habit to Break
Yet, I find myself continuing to be led by feelings of anxiety–the social kind, the rejection kind, and the worst of all–the fear of the future kind.
The world has its way of pulling your thoughts toward fear. I’ve heard it said that the panic many experience is a normal, primal response to an old world that existed before this one–the one where it was vital to be extra cautious, because your life would depend on it. You could literally get mauled by a bear–or some other predator. So, it’s natural to have fear.
I have a bit of a different theory. My fear, I think, was very much learned. The older I’ve gotten, the more my thoughts have found reasons not to trust in safety. I lost my Mom to complications during brain surgery (she had crushing’s), I’ve been rejected for all kinds of jobs, and various other types of grief and disappointments throughout life as an adult.
You learn early that life is not always “fair.” Not in the sense that we can see.
Fear is Natural, But so is Courage
At least I can take some refuge in the fact that if the bible repeats a phrase like that, it probably means that fear is an incredibly normal thing for humans to experience; otherwise, it wouldn’t have to be repeated so much.
I “get” my anxiety on a level that I didn’t before. It was a way to get me from freeze mode into action mode–or at least flight. I used to push any unpleasant feelings aside and forget they existed. This was not a great approach, and hence, the anxiety that followed. 😅 Note to self: ignoring a problem does NOT make it go away.
But neither does ruminating on the problem. So if you’ve found yourself, like me, taking too much time on a problem, to the point that action–or acceptance–is nearly impossible–remember that there is another way.
Shifting Focus From Fear to Trust
So I’ll leave with this bit of scripture this Christmas. 1 John 4:16 states, “So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.”
When I feel anxiety creeping in, I can remember that love is stronger than any fear. God abides in us, and fear, at that point, is irrelevant. We can do all things with His light and guidance. It’s okay to not know how things will turn out.
Trust is powerful–whether it’s in someone you love (for me, it’s God and family)–or, if you’re not ready for that leap of faith in God, find trust in yourself and all the times you kept moving forward, even when it wasn’t easy. Love is the source of courage and the wisdom to keep moving forward, no matter what.
Further Reading: Understanding & Coping with Anxiety
If you are navigating the cycle of rumination or seeking ways to ground yourself in both faith and mental wellness, these resources offer professional guidance and practical tools.
Strategies for Managing Rumination
- Tips to Help You Stop Ruminating – Healthline This article provides 10 practical tips to break the cycle of repetitive thinking, helping you move from “thought loops” into productive action.
- How to Stop the ‘What-If’ Thinking Cycle – Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA) A clinical look at why our brains default to worst-case scenarios and how to retrain your focus on the present moment.
Faith and Mental Health
- Anxiety and Faith: When Your Mind Won’t Be Still – Biola University A thoughtful exploration of how Christians can reconcile their faith with the struggle of clinical anxiety, emphasizing that struggle is not a lack of faith.
- Managing Stress and Anxiety: A Spiritual Perspective – McLean Hospital (Harvard Medical School Affiliate) A look at how spirituality and religious practice can be a scientifically valid “protective factor” in mental health recovery.
Tools for Immediate Relief
- Grounding Techniques for Anxiety – Verywell Mind When your “inferior brain” (as the author calls it) takes over, these physical techniques help pull you out of your head and back into your body.
- The 3-3-3 Rule for Anxiety – WebMD A simple, easy-to-remember tool for those moments when you feel the “social” or “future-based” fear creeping in.
Note: If you or someone you know is in immediate distress, please reach out for professional help. You can call or text 988 in the US and Canada to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at any time.
Some Topics for Discussion
How do you feel about trust? Where do you find your peace? Did you know that the bible referenced fear that many times? Leave a comment below ⬇️
A Lil’ Disclaimer about comments:
This blog is meant to be a springboard for discussions on some tough topics. It’s so easy to feel alone, but you’re not!
That hurt you feel? Someone knows it, too.
It doesn’t mean your hurt is less important. It means that you’ve got someone out there that is bound to understand. At least a little.
Things can get tricky. Not all people are kind. But most are just trying to survive.
It’s important to honor the nuances in what someone else is going through, too. Your experience is your own.
It’s complicated, yes.
I’m happy to encourage others to share their stories. Like on any other platform, vulnerability comes with risks. Don’t share unless you feel comfortable. You can count on me in the meantime to put it all out there. 😅
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