Introduction
Fear, like suffering, is natural. It is an emotion that we all experience at different points in our lives. For many, it can always be present on some level. So, what can we do to deal with it?
What is fear?
Fundamentally, it’s an emotional response to a perceived threat. The threat can be real, like a spider in your bed or imagined, like the fear of your friends turning on you. The body and mind react the same regardless.
It also comes in other flavors, Anxiety, a vague notion that something bad is going to happen, doubt, the fear of failure, the fear of death and on and on. It is something that can consume our thoughts and emotions, prevent us from living our life to the fullest and cause health issues.
Even though fear is generally considered a negative emotion, not all fear is bad. It can represent a healthy alarm system that keeps us clear of trouble. However, it is generally an unwelcome feeling.
I have found some hope against fear, particularly when it comes to death, in the Catholic faith. Not an absence of fear, by any means, but hope.
I think it is important to understand the role of fear in our lives and how we can navigate it. In my case, it is with faith and trust in God.
Teachings
One of the primary teachings of the Catholic Church is to have faith in God and trust in His plan for us. It is difficult because it is His plan and not ours. Sometimes what He wants and what we want align but it seems rare.
This means that even in the face of fear and uncertainty, Catholics generally have a framework in which they can strive to have confidence that God is in control and will guide us through any situation to an end that is in accordance with His will. Knowing that He is leading the way can be a source of comfort.
That is very easy to say. How easy is it to do? Well, it’s not and that’s OK.
I think the Lord uses experience to help temper us and hardship and adversity can serve as an expression of His love for us. Even though He may be orchestrating the experience, the fear is still real and as long as we are on this side of the veil, there is always uncertainty and doubt that can creep in.
Even though He is with us during these moments, the fear can still be real and quite visceral.
Biblical verses about fear
The Bible repeatedly encourages us to trust in God and not to be afraid, over 300 times.
I sometimes think it is mentioned so often because we are so prone to fear. We assume the worst and design threats that often do not exist. I imagine you can think of several worries on the forefront of your mind as you read this.
In the book of Isaiah, we read, “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10). This verse reminds us that God is always with us and will provide the strength and support.
Similarly, in the New Testament, Jesus tells his disciples, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me” (John 14:1).
Jesus acknowledges that we may experience fear and anxiety, but he reminds us that we can find peace in our trust in God.
What to do about fear
While it is natural to feel fear, Catholics are called to resist the temptation to let it control us. Well, OK.
Maybe you’ve experienced situations in which fear washes over you like a cold wave. It can be easy to just fold up and let it consume you.
However, I think it is important to try to turn to prayer and ask for God’s guidance and protection. Just taking a moment, with a breath and brief prayer can help provide centering. Maybe ask for St. Michael’s intercession. I find myself waking up around 3:00 a.m. most mornings and always say the St. Michael prayer during that Devil’s hour.
By praying, I’ve found comfort in the knowledge that I am not alone and that God’s love and grace is always with me.
Furthermore, as a Catholic I am called to be courageous in the face of adversity. This does not mean that I should be reckless or ignore my fears, but rather, that I should approach them with faith and conviction.
Over the years, I’ve found that fear can often be a signal that I am close to something that I really need to spend more time exploring. Often, it has to do with mortality or some item related to self-growth. If I ignore it, the thoughts slip away for a bit but always return.
The Catholic Church honors many saints who demonstrated great courage in the face of fear, such as St. Joan of Arc and St. Maximilian Kolbe.
In closing
Fear is a natural emotion that we all experience.
I think it is important to look into our fears, to converse with them honestly. We cannot grow as a human if we choose to ignore or push aside the darkness.
Catholics have tools that can help navigate elements of fear with faith and trust in God. By turning to prayer, seeking God’s guidance, and being courageous, we can overcome our fears and find peace in the knowledge that God is always with us.
St. John Paul II once said, “Do not be afraid. Do not be satisfied with mediocrity. Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.”