Fear not, let’s do this together

Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7 ESV)

 In our society where anxiety has been given so much space, it sometimes seems like the defining word of our time. It’s interesting because the Bible tells us simply and repeatedly to “fear not.” A two-word solution to fear and anxiety. But how does this work?
 I find it helpful to break my challenge into parts and then take the first step. For example, I recently had to prepare for an interview at work. I was nervous about it, and fear of failing was front and center in my mind, so I broke it down. I compiled the questions I thought I’d be asked and prepared answers to them, then I asked coworkers for feedback on my answers, and I applied the feedback. Each of these steps was uncomfortable, but I was able to accomplish them one at a time. And each time, I was rewarded with one step further in the direction I wanted to go.
 Whether you’re looking to change a mindset or habit or reach a goal, the approach is the same: take the one step that you can. And trust God for the next one. When you are afraid, trust in God, who says, “Fear not, let’s do this together.” —Marie Alvero [1]

Let nothing disturb you, 
Let nothing frighten you, 
All things are passing away: 
God never changes. 
Patience obtains all things.
Whoever has God lacks nothing; 
God alone suffices. —St. Teresa of Ávila

[1] Activated Fear Not