Fear

January 4

I will fear no evil; for you are with me…Psalm 23:4

Fear can be a crippling emotion.  I have an intense fear of water.  Maybe you didn’t know this about me, but if you think about it, I bet you can’t recall hanging out in the pool with me or going to the lake with me.  There are even very few hot tubs in which I have been able to relax comfortably.

Everyone always asks, “Why can’t you swim?” usually followed by an assurance that they could teach me.  Here’s the thing.  I don’t want to learn.  I’m too afraid of the water to even want to learn or to care if I don’t.  Water terrifies me.  It takes my breath away to the point of gasping at about a chest-deep level.  Sure, I can walk in the surf of the ocean, or sit near the side of the pool (ok, not TOO near), but that’s where the fun ends.  Ironically, I wasn’t bothered by being on a cruise ship.  I’ve always said I don’t mind being ON the water, just not IN it.  

I know that my fear is backed by stubbornness.  Today’s verse says that God is with me.  There are numerous times in scripture that “Fear not” appears.  God knows we all have fears and He knows we need to be reminded that He is with us even when we’re afraid.  If my faith were stronger, perhaps I could focus on that and ditch my phobia.

I’m not sure I’m ready to pray that God will help me overcome my fear of water, but I am praying that He will strengthen my faith, help me to increase my trust that He is with me, and that He will teach me to overcome my stubbornness.  That could certainly involve a lot.