Journal Entry ~ 05/17/19

But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, "Do not fear, only believe." - Mark 5:36

If we pause a moment on fear, we know that all fear is not bad. In fact, God designed fear for a very specific purpose - to protect us in times of danger. The physiological response to fear in our bodies is designed to move us quickly away from danger - when our brain senses fear, it triggers certain responses in our bodies. Some body systems increase in productivity: quickened heartbeat and increased circulation, faster breathing, faster and more focused thinking; while other systems slow or shut down because they are unnecessary in a fear response.

This perfect physiological response in our bodies was designed by God to happen without any intentional thought so that we could get ourselves out of a dangerous situation quickly.  And it works. The only problem is the fear response as was designed to be very quick and short-lived - like running away from an animal attack. It wasn't meant to persist over days, weeks, months, years. 

So, when we fear frequently or continually, our bodies are not functioning as God designed them. Certain systems are over-responding frequently - circulatory, respiratory, neurological; and certain systems are not - digestive, endocrine. Fear steals our sleep - the rest God designed to restore, refresh, and heal our bodies. All this explains the reason why so many of us suffer from physical problems as a result of fear. 

Our bodies are not working as God designed them.  When we struggle with anxiety, we are more often operating in a fear response than we are in a normal state. We feel broken because we are broken, and our worries switch to the the physical problems, not understanding that we are the ones causing them. There are a whole host of chronic, physiological  conditions that are caused by stress on the body. It's no wonder God tells us over and over again to stop fearing in Scripture - He’s trying to protect our health. 

Believing brings peace to our hearts, and returns our bodies to their normal physiological state. It can be so challenging to overcome the fear response when you’re facing a deep trial.  It’s a choice. A daily, intentional choice to let go of the fear and believe. God is sovereign over all you face today. Relax those shoulders and breathe deeply. 


Press on ~ you are loved 💗

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