It’s snowing. I guess I can say it’s pretty, and white and … but I don’t love snow. I did when I was a kid: sledding, skating, snowmen and snow forts, but snow now makes me feel anxious and claustrophobic. I wish I could love just sitting here watching it. I no longer have to go out in it, drive in it or even shovel. Yet, at the end of each sentence I look out and stare – not for the joy of it, but the fear.

Fear drives us sometimes. Fear immobilizes us. The Bible tells us over and over not to fear. “Be not afraid,” the angels said. “Be anxious for nothing.” So today I am trying my best to follow the command of scripture and put aside my fear and just praise the One who made the snow come today. The One who knows how I feel. The one who “has this.”

What about you? How are you handling your fears? What are some tactics that you use to keep those fears at bay?

Here are some suggestions for a snowy day.

1. Slow down. When the enemy gets in your face. Slow down. Don’t try so hard to look strong when that’s not what your feeling. Slow down and take your Spiritual Temperature. Take a moment, before fear takes over, to give it to God. Be still and remember who He is. He really does have this. Pray until you remember, and give thanks for all He has done for you.
2. Ponder. Like Mary, it may be time to ponder the “why” of your feelings. Journal, read, speak to someone who knows you well. Ponder the events that have lead up to this fear. (For me, it was a serious accident in the snow, and ice dams, and leaks, and 100+ inches of snow.) Peal away each one and look at it. What did God do in the midst of these events? Did you learn something ? Did you gain more faith? Did it change someone’s life? Yours?
3. Rejoice and be thankful. We have so much to be thankful for, so many reasons to praise. Just start rejoicing. As Paul says, “Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say ‘rejoice.’” When fear is triggered, rejoice. When doubts assail, rejoice. When you can’t see your way, rejoice. Believe me, He is not finished with you yet. Rejoice and be exceeding glad!

Now get on with it. It might be snowing but there is plenty to do. Me – I have a list a mile long and I’m getting to it now.

Blessings,

Janet