The house falls dark and still. Stairs creek and unfamiliar noises haunt. There is no one there. I whisper to myself, trying to make it true. But fear takes me captive. I pull my feet up, desperate to ignore it.
It creeks once more and I open my eyes. Convinced that someone is there, I see shadows. Irrational thoughts consume. Shaking and hysterical, I flip on all of the lights. The room is empty. I attempt to calm the hysteria, but it’s too late. Feelings of defeat convince me…it will be another one of those nights. All lights on. Phone on my chest. Sleep scarce.
* * * * * * *
Fear has defined me. In 2000, I slept with every light on for almost an entire year. Then I got over it only to fall back into the same patterns a few years later. I simply don’t do ALONE very well. In fact, I’d rather get a root canal than to be in a dark and quiet house without a man to protect me.
But I don’t have that option. For now, every night is dark and quiet. Every night. And sometimes, it’s more than I can bear. Lately, I have allowed fear to regain its bondage over me. I’ve fallen back into sleeping with lights on, triple checking locks, and holding my phone on my chest (as if that is somehow going to save me).
While safety is certainly one of my biggest issues, fear takes other places in my heart captive. In fact, I find that sometimes I am more afraid of what can or what might be than what really is. I let fear control my thoughts and my actions.
Fear that I would not be enough.
Fear that I would not graduate.
Fear that I would be hurt or die.
Fear that he wouldn’t love me.
Fear that I would mess my kids up.
Fear that eating that would make me sick.
Fear that the bank would be robbed while I’m inside.
Fear that a car would run the stoplight and hit me.
Fear that I would be homeless.
Fear that right would not win or justice would not prevail.
Fear of that which is unknown.
After years of hard work, my struggle with fear has been mostly overcome. And yet this week, I find myself needing a reminder. How do I conquer the dark and unknown?
Practically Speaking…
- Sleep with the lights on. I know it’s odd, but it works. Start big and work your way down to a few soft lights. This keeps me from staring into the dark and wondering. In the light, I know that no one is there and that everyone is safe.
- Don’t watch t.v. This one is crucial for me. I can not watch murder mysteries or even the news. At all. I used to LOVE suspense, but when I finally cut out watching that stuff, I found that my mind was able to focus on true things. I wasn’t walking around at night feeling terrified anymore.
- Guard your conversation before bed. Talk and think about true things only. Don’t deal with that complicated problem or discuss options for your future. Many times, heavy topics will lead to anxious subconscious thoughts when you lay down.
- Deal with it as a spiritual issue.
Spiritually Speaking…
- Recognize that the enemy wants you to be afraid and refuse to let him have the satisfaction.
- Declare truth out loud. When fear creeps in, tell it to leave in the name of Jesus. Declare your safety out loud. Read or recite scripture over the enemy and his deceptive thoughts. Keep a list of verses by your bed (I’ve included one that you can print out.)
- Pray before you go to bed. Not for safety. Pray about anything else! Focusing your thoughts on the greatness of God will keep you from dwelling in your circumstances. Remember, Jesus alone can comfort. And He knows your every need, even if you avoid praying for it before bed.
- Put verses in every corner of the house and read them. Make them personal and declare them out loud.
- Commit yourself to look up every instance of the word FEAR or AFRAID in the Bible and record your findings. This is life changing, as the Word reminds us over and over NOT to give into this battle of fear.
True Things
- I will not fear, for God is with me; I will not be dismayed, for He is my God. He will strengthen me and help me; He will uphold me with HIS righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
- The Lord is my LIGHT and salvation. Whom shall I fear? Psalm 27:1
- God did not give me a spirit of fear, but of POWER, LOVE and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7
- The Lord will NEVER leave me or forsake me. Deut. 31:6
- God will not fail me. 1 Chronicles 28:20
- I will not fear bad news. My heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. Psalm 112:7
- God holds my hand when I am afraid. Isaiah 41:13
For a downloadable version, click here…Truths about Fear (400)
Sometimes, I find myself feeling defeated when I find victory over something only to have the same problem return. But I must remember, all things on this earth are a struggle. This life requires daily dependence on Him. He desires that. Perhaps I must revisit my issues to remind me that I can do nothing without him. I will not give in to fear. I will cling to His every promise and declare victory over the enemy.
Your turn…have you battled fear? What are some practical things that you do to keep fear from consuming? What are you favorite verses to proclaim over fear?
Linking with Better Mom, Lowercase Letters, Raising Arrows, Graceful, Modest Mom, Titus2sday, Growing Home, Far Above Rubies, Deep Roots at Home, Good Morning Girls
Kim Sorgius
Kim is just a girl, crazy in love with Jesus. She's a single mother of 4, a passionate homeschooler and life-long student. After teaching 8 years in public school, she traded her M.A. in Early Childhood for sippy cups and homeschool co-ops. Kim is the owner and editor of The Homeschool Village and Not Consumed where she encourages others to rest victoriously in the hands of God, rather than allowing life's difficult circumstances to consume.
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This is wonderful — thank you so much for sharing your experiences, and creating such a practical and helpful tool for all of us when we suffer through times of fear.
I used to do the same thing whenever my husband was out of town. I would even have sleep hypnotic dreams of someone breaking in. I’m so thankful that God is bigger than my greatest fears. I love this printout. Thanks for sharing your heart!
I started fighting the fear battle when I was about 13 years old. Scripture is the biggest help. Like you, I had to cut out all things scary- except for aliens and stuff that can’t really happen! My favorite verse to quote at night is:
Psalms 4:8
I will lie down and sleep in peace,
for you alone, O Lord,
make me dwell in safety.
Yes, that’s a great verse! I have used that one in the past, too.
I can’t help but thinking of the scriptural songs we used to sing growing up in my christian school about fear…as silly as that sounds. Funny how little things like that can help – especially with how dark and terrifying life has been recently. After all, according to Veggie Tales, “God is bigger than the boogieman.”
I ALMOST titled this post…”God is bigger than the boogieman” :-)
I struggled with fear after each of my babies was born. I know it was just hormones, but it was overwhelming. Love your tips.
lessonsfromivy.com
Love that you have shared the free printable! I will be sharing the link for others, because I beleive we all fight fear to one degree or another. I’m so glad you have been willing to share your heart in this matter.
Yes, I think you are right. Even if only for a season, we all struggle with fear on some level.
This is awesome Kim! God bless you!
Thank you for sharing this. I too, have struggled with fear, sleeping many nights with the lights on. Most of the time now, it’s much easier and I am grateful to God for that.
I love the printable.
Thanks for being so transparent! I’m glad you stopped by.
I too have slept with a light on – somewhere in the house for my ENTIRE adult life. Even last night I had a WIR light on shining through a crack into the bedroom. Beautiful post. Thank you.
Wonderful topic to shed some light on. I have struggled with fear off and on. I also sleep with night light. I totally agree about guarding your eyes from tv, books, and conversations.
Kim this is incredibly AWESOME…thanking God that I stumbled unto Not Consumed…now I’m a faithful follower, girl…Thank you for this post…I haven’t done most of the things I’ve wanted to do out of fear…but you have reminded me to FEAR NOT.
Be Blessed <3
Aww…you’re sweet! Glad to have you! FEAR NOT, friend!
Another tip is to listen to Christian music and sing along.
Oh, yes. How did I forget that one? I use it all the time. Super effective. Thanks for sharing.
This is great! Thank you so much for sharing! I fear I am going to run out of time if I don’t cram everything I can into every available minute of the day.
This is beyond wonderful! My husband left this morning for a 1 week trip. He has never been away this long, and I have been dreading bedtime since 5 am! I CONSTANTLY battle fear, especially fear you describe of someone harming me in the night (As if anyone could ever get in!) I am printing the scriptures and taping them on my head board! You have blessed me today sister!
I love it when God provides in ways like that! Blessings on your week!
This is awesome. Thank you. I have always been so fearful of life and uncertain situations. I was told as a teenager i had S.A.D. Social Anxiety Disorder. I used to never be able to eat in public. IF i did i would feel so self contious i would cry. I have always cared too much about how other people think of me or what they might think of me. Ive gotten over the worst of it but now im getting ready to get my N for driving. Im getting better but i still fear that while im driving something bad will happen to me, especially when i have a toddler in the car. Im going to press into God more and hope and pray that I will one day be free from al of these pestering fears!