Lord, even when your path takes me through the valley of deepest darkness, fear will never conquer me, for you already have! You remain close to me and lead me through it all the way. Psalm 23:4 (TPT)
The Valley of Deep Darkness – Afraid Series – Part 3
Go to PART 1 | PART 2 | PART 3 | PART 4 | PART 5 | PART 6
Fear is not to be fought, ignored, or underestimated.
It is to be faced.
Not just the big fears that confront us day in and day out in news stories and mass media. But the niggling, very personal and secretive fears that live inside us, too. Fear of rejection, heartbreak, uncertainty, finance, failure, loneliness, illness, death, significance, loss, violence, safety, equality…
There are many fears threatening our peace. If we give them the room they demand, we will be on the run forever. Heart and soul fugitives.
David (of the Bible) knew what is was to be a fugitive, and he faced many fears, hardships, and challenges. In the first three verses of Psalm 23, he wrote poetically about how God led him to green pastures, beside quiet waters and through righteous paths. So when we find him by the valley of deep darkness (Ps 23:4), we can assume that God led him there, too.
Fear and darkness fill this world almost to the brim. We cannot escape them. But we must move through them as David walked through his valley. In fact, I think we have a spiritual responsibility to face our fears with presence and strength.
I don’t mean fighting them or trying to destroy them; we can live our whole lives in the valley of deep darknesses doorway, declaring, fighting, yelling, ignoring and turning our back on our fears; plastering our opinions and prejudices and reasons all over the place. But if we do not step foot into that valley and travel through it – face our fears – we deny ourselves the opportunity to climb the heights of our potential and purpose.
Courage is the act of opening our eyes and staring fear in the face. Courage is engagement.
Take a good look at fear. Strip back its airs and graces, pomp and ceremony… Let the stench and smoke that rises with its arrival, settle and diminish. Recognise its intention: is its warning beneficial? Will it help or hinder you?
Fear has something important to communicate. It highlights something that needs our attention, a closer look, a more careful approach. It reveals our values and the things we deem sacred. So give it a place, but don’t give it control. We have to be creative with our response to fear.
In her book “Big Magic,” Elizabeth Gilbert said:
“Dearest Fear: Creativity and I are about to go on a road trip together. I understand you’ll be joining us, because you always do. I acknowledge that you believe you have an important job to do in my life, and that you take your job seriously… I recognize and respect that you are part of this family, and so I will never exclude you from our activities, but still – your suggestions will never be followed. You’re allowed to have a seat, and you’re allowed to have a voice, but you are not allowed to have a vote. You’re not allowed to touch the road maps; you’re not allowed to suggest detours; you’re not allowed to fiddle with the temperature. Dude, you’re not even aloud to touch the radio. But above all else, my dear old familiar friend, you are absolutely forbidden to drive.” (Pg 26)
Fear robs us of presence. The presence of heart and mind when on the edge of life.
But by taking a moment to stand before fear, settle your breath, and focus your attention, you’ll always uncover the presence of something else. Someone else.
The Divine.
“Fear not, for I am with you.”
Over to you… How do feel about leaning into your fear? Leave us your comments below.
Go to Part 4 – Our Fears »
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