I don't like roller coasters. I never have. Even when I was young, skinny and full of energy, I rarely rode them. If I did ride one, it was usually just so I could sit next to a special guy.
Not counting kiddie coasters, I have ridden one coaster in the last 32 years. I rode it because my youngest son wanted to ride. No one else would ride with him, and I wouldn’t let him ride alone. Of course, my one goal was to get off that thing without barfing.
I am simply not a thrill-seeker. Evidently, I don't enjoy a racing heart, a tumultuous stomach, and sweaty palms. To me, those feelings are an indication of anxiety, not adventure.
Still, engineers keep making roller coasters bigger and better, faster and more furious. They add more loops and curves and components to make them more frightening, because we all know that the bigger the fear, the better we feel when we conquer it, right?
Well, maybe on roller coasters but not necessarily in real life. In real life, fear is seldom fun.
There is a song called "Fear is a Liar" by Zach Williams. Part of the chorus says, "Fear, he is a liar. He will take your breath, stop you in your steps. He will rob your rest, steal your happiness."
But, you know what? Life is a scary place. And today, perhaps more than ever, there are a lot of reasons to be afraid. For some of us, our worst fears have even become a reality. So, how can we say that fear is a liar? It seems to be pretty honest, if you ask me.
It gives me pause to think. How is fear a liar?
Fear lies when it tries to make us think that the circumstance we are facing will last forever. It lies when it stops us from moving forward, from believing in ourselves or our God.
Fear lies when it keeps us awake at night. When it prevents us from finding joy. When it convinces us that the feelings we are experiencing will never go away. When it tells us that this battle that we are fighting will never be won. Basically, fear is not only a liar, it is also a thief. It steals our hope and our joy.
It’s hard, but I know that I serve a God who is bigger than fear.
My God says, "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
and
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
Honestly, it’s not easy. The world seems like it's going to hell in a handbag these days. But I still believe that my God is a big God. I really do believe that He can handle my little fears and big fears too.
So, I keep reminding myself that life is a roller coaster. There are going to be ups, and there are going to be downs, but I can't let fear control who I am, what I believe, or what I do. I just need to trust my God, who is at the controls, and hang on for the ride.
What are you afraid of?
This blog is a reprisal of one of my previous blogs.