The Bible says a lot, but if you notice, it seems to repeat what God wants to emphasize. Which is why I was amazed when someone recently told me what the most repeated command is.

Do Not Be Afraid.

There are a lot of fears in life, many of which I think can be healthy. Often in Christian culture we tout this absence of fear, like it's something we've completely overcome. I think that leads to an unhealthy environment. I don't want to set an example for someone that all of their fears must be overcome, otherwise they're not really trusting God. No, I want to be real: there are things I'm still afraid of. Losing loved ones and health diagnosis's are certainly things I'm not looking forward to. Instead of acting like there isn't any fear there, I want to trust God EVEN if/when the worst happens. Isaiah 41:10 says "fear not, for I am with you". Notice it doesn't say fear not "because there's nothing to fear".

Option 2 1920x1080 Carders Son

So what does it look like to manage healthy fear? Enter my son riding a roller coaster.

If you haven't already watched the video above, I'm predicting his joy will at least give you a smile if not make your day. It certainly made mine. It was our first trip to a big theme park, and there was definitely some convincing on my part to ride as many as we could. I told him he'd definitely love it, and wow was I right. But before that could happen, he had to trust me in the midst of fear.

There is a beautiful balance of healthy fear of a wild ride, but the joy that comes from it. When my son put his hands up (unprovoked by me), I saw freedom. Joy really does come when we choose to put the things we can't control in God's hands and not hold on to the burden. To understand that I can't make fear magically disappear, but I can get my mind off of it when I realize God is the one that will sustain me in whatever happens. This allows me to enjoy my life, and bring joy to those around me.

It allows me to enjoy the ride, as they say.

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