***Congratulations to Amy Sabol – our winner for this week’s giveaway***
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Have you ever felt like your thoughts and emotions were randomly running your life without getting your permission first? Anxiety. Fears. Obsessive worry. Overwhelmed. It’s not fun … not one bit. But what can you do about it?
When our thoughts get going in the wrong direction, we start believing the false slogans they’re feeding us and begin adopting them as truth. Sort of like reigning in pesty gnats on a hot summer night – they seem almost impossible to control.
My friend, Tracie Miles, is all too familiar with how runaway thoughts and emotions take its toll on a person. She faced an unexpected crisis that almost paralyzed her with fear and anxiety. But in the midst of her storm, God taught Tracie His truths, which became her strategies for an unsinkable faith when life felt so out of control.
Tracie shares her personal story and the strategies God taught her in her newest book, Unsinkable Faith, which released this month and has already sold out of the first round of published copies!
I’ve invited Tracie to share on the topic of fear this week. And I’m praying God will personally speak to you through her transparent story. Stay tuned and I’ll tell you how to win a free copy of Unsinkable Faith, along with 5 FREE bonus gifts.
Controlling Our Fears, So They Don’t Control Us
Tracie Miles
Life had been hard for many, many months. My marriage of twenty-five years had abruptly ended due to circumstances beyond my control, and overpowering negative emotions seemed to be running my life. The day finally came when I was sick and tired of feeling sad and spent, and I knew I needed to retake control of my thoughts. I was tired of letting my feelings boss me around, and I longed to break free from their stronghold over my mind and my life, but also my peace, joy and happiness. I could either control my mind, or it would continue to control me.
I decided to spend some time in prayer, and bowed my head. I began asking God to show me what I needed to let go of – mentally and emotionally – and to equip me spiritually to break free from the negative thoughts consuming my heart and mind. God soon helped me realize that I had been struggling with many negative mental strongholds, but there was that had a life-robbing one chokehold on my peace.
Fear.
Suffocating fears of what the present day, and the future, might hold would crush my spirit every morning before I even got out of bed, and would rob me of sleep at night. Fears of how my children were feeling and coping. Countless fears that would always morph in my mind the more I thought about them, forcing me into thinking about all the “what-ifs”. Nine times out of ten my what-ifs were followed up with fear inducing thoughts of worse-case-scenario theories that would pull me deeper into sadness, even if they weren’t entirely rational.
So, in my prayer time that morning, as God opened my eyes to the invisible enemy I had been fighting – the fears in my thoughts – I committed to working on my attitude and to surrendering all the fears that had been building up in my head for months.
I got out my journal and began to write down my fears one by one and to my surprise, within minutes, I had written out thirty-three fears that had slid off the tip of my pencil with ease. Thirty. Three. Paralyzing. Fears. Have mercy. I didn’t realize until that very moment how my fears had multiplied or how much they were damaging my attitude, much less that they had such a strong power over my thoughts, emotions and perspectives.
Immediately, I surrendered those fears and all the accompanying emotions to God in prayer. I wanted to break free from fear, and grab onto hope instead. I committed to God and myself to take a stand against letting them slip back into my subconscious. The difference that prayer of surrender made in my outlook and my life going forward amazed even me. Slowly, yet assuredly, as I intentionally captured fearful thoughts before they crushed by spirit or threatened my peace, my attitude began to change. I invited God to help me transform my thoughts, and that is exactly what He did.
Isaiah 41:10 says, “fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (ESV) These words were primarily directed to the Jews who had been exiled during their difficult captivity in Babylon. God was reminding them they were His, and therefore, had nothing to fear. We are also His. Therefore, we have nothing to fear.
God’s promise to be with His beloveds, to strengthen those who need strength and to uphold with His own mighty righteous hand, is as valid for us today as it was for Jews back then. We won’t always be protected from things that eilicit fear in our hearts, but we can always surrender those fears to God and trust that not only will He will never leave our side, but He is more than capable of handling whatever it is that is filling our hearts and minds with fear.
Although most of my fear-induced emotions and feelings that fretful night were valid, I had allowed them to take over my mind and, in turn, take over my life and my happiness, in addition to robbing me of much needed sleep and rest.
Maybe today you are struggling with fear regarding a difficult circumstance in your own life. Maybe you’ve received a concerning health diagnosis, a termination at work, or are facing living life without someone you once held dear. Maybe the bank account is low, the refrigerator is empty, and the bills are due, and you have no idea where money is going to come from. All valid fears that elicit valid emotions. Yet regardless of the scary unknowns in your life which seem large and looming, many of which you feel inadequate to handle, there is great news, my friend.
As believers, we all have the power of the Holy Spirit within us to break down the stronghold of fear and grab hold of the peace God offers. We can all learn to submit our fears to God if we choose to put our trust in Him, instead of tossing and turning every night under the weight of worry.
How wonderful would life be without the presence of fear? How much happier would you feel if you no longer had to carry the burden of worry? That type of living is possible, as we learn to focus on faith instead of fear. We can control our mind, or it will control us.
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I’m so grateful the Holy Spirit can help us control our thoughts and emotions, aren’t you? Many thanks to Tracie Miles for joining us this week on the blog!
Giveaway Announcement:
Leave a comment below and your name will be entered into a drawing for a free copy of Tracie’s newest book, Unsinkable Faith.
Bonus Alert:
With the purchase of at least one copy of Unsinkable Faith before Apri 29th, you can claim 5 FREE gifts worth $60.00! Visit http://www.traciemiles.com for all the information and to learn how to claim your freebies.
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To intentionally make positive living a reality in your life, and to begin experiencing a total life makeover through the transforming and renewing of your mind, consider purchasing Tracie’s newest book, Unsinkable Faith: God-Filled Strategies for Transforming the Way You Think, Feel and Live. You can also purchase a Companion Study Guide & Journal and other valuable, faith fueling resources on Tracie’s blog at www.traciemiles.com.
Just a sheep says
My parents left me as a child with grandparents. I was sexually abused by a cousin. I found out my dad was homosexual. I just wanted a family all my life, but was lost and ended up having abortions. I got married later and had a son then my husband died. I raised my son in church but always felt i was not worthy.
I am in my late fifties and am in bad health. My son is living a homosexual lifestyle. I am brokenhearted alone and afraid. No job no insurance no help no strength. I have worked hard all my life. Have asked God to forgive me for my sins. Asked Jesus to save me lead me and guide me. Have asked him to save and change my son. Have asked God to help me but he has been quiet and i am waiting and trying to keep going as best i can but struggle emotionally and phisically to even get through a day. I feel im frustrated with God and feel guilty about this to the point of being sad. Am struggling to keep faith and my health is getting worse. even when a doctor knows you are sick but have no money or insurance they just turn away from you. I need help. I do not hope for help as much as i used to because i am tired and i just want my son to be saved and i want to be with The Lord.
Ashley says
I really enjoyed reading this today. I have realized after going through a very difficult year that my thoughts have ruled my life. I have allowed this and have asked God daily to transform and renew my mind. It has been a season of discontentment and I have asked God to forgive my attitude. I thank you so much for your prayers.
Leah says
I’m praying for you today, Ashley. I discovered years ago, the best way to renew my thoughts is to remain in the word on a daily basis. God’s truth transforms the lies Satan wants us to believe. Stay strong, friend. WIth God, the transformation is not only possible, but it’s guaranteed.
Lisa Thompson says
Thanks a Million!
Sally says
Today I found your blog. Thank you for being here. Struggling with new fears in my head. Much anxiety. Sadness overwhelming me. Remembering past life events are trying to take me down. Please pray for me.
Leah says
Sally, I am praying for you today ~ asking Jesus to surround you with His love and to replace your fears and sadness with His peace and joy.
Sharon Ney says
Thank you for these words of hope; I’m dealing with so much fear and uncertainty right now. I’ve had an antidepressant side effect that is lingering although I’m off the medication. There is a weird tingling in the top of my head when I see or hear emotional things, even Christian songs. It even hits me in church sometimes. I cry daily from despair and fear from this, and have had many prayers for healing. I would so appreciate prayer. Also my son Aaron, age 24, has walked away from God and this is also causing great sorrow. But he was saved and baptized in his teens and I know God will be faithful to restore him. Thank you so much; your column really helped me.
Jeanne Regan says
I feel so blessed to have read your article on this particular topic as this is something I deal with daily and it’s a struggle. I would feel fortunate to win a copy of this book. Wishing your readers peace in their own journeys. Thank you.
Joanna Kearns says
it would mean the WORLD to us we have been and still are going through soo much thanks for the chance
Joanna Kearns says
it would mean the WORLD to us we have been and still are going through soo much thanks for the suffering
Priscilla Lorenzo says
I’m glad I found this blog post today. I’ve realized recently how much my coping skills have hindered me and I want to take control of them. I’ve been married for a year now to a wonderful, patient and understanding man. As we discuss having children in the future and as I reflect on my relationship with my own parents I realized that I have work to do. I know I won’t be the perfect parent but there are things that I need to overcome, change etc to be able to handle any situation going on right now or that will occur. I also realize how much a parents struggles and issues can sort of be inflected or transferred to their children. I just want to be a healthier woman, wife and God willing mother (someday) to be capable of dealing with life when it doesn’t go the way we want so that I can be an example to my family and others. There is so much more I could say (I’m a talker lol) but thank you for sharing your story and encouraging words. I will be praying for you and the others who’ve commented as well. May God bless you.
Leah says
Priscilla, thank you for sharing your thoughts and insights. I am praying for you today!
Kay Streetman says
Wow… maybe God IS there and is letting me know He cares. I have not felt Him AT ALL during this very difficult trial. Everything is falling apart at once, and has been for over a year now. When I need Him the most, He is silent. I am so “fearful” about the future and how things are going to turn out. I was just talking to my mom about this today. What a Godcidence…
Leah says
Kay, I’m praying for you today and asking God to call your fears with His love – just like He promises is Zephaniah 3:17
For the Lord your God is with you.
He is your Mighty Savior.
He will take delight in you with gladness.
With his love, he will calm all your fears.
He will rejoice over you with singing.”
Boy says
Hi Leah, hoping to get off these worries and fears that have already consumed me, Im 60 retired with a vwry loving and supportive wife, Helen and with 4 grownups, 2 grandaugteta wt oldest son Paolo, now 34. Neede immediate help and prayers.
Leah says
Boy, I’m praying for you, Helen and your family today.
Deb says
Life can be so difficult. I have a daughter with an autoimmune disease, she has been ill for 17 years, in and out of hospitals, many failed treatments, blindness……..
I find myself overwhelmed with fear and anxiety most of the time. It is a difficult journey thats for sure. I would love to win a copy of your book. I spend so much of my time trying to figure out why God would let us suffer for so long.
Leah says
Deb, I am praying for you and your precious daughter today.
Heather S says
I would love to win a copy, thank you for the chance to <3
Johnette Jinks says
So true that FEAR can strip us of our ability to function as God wants us to. We as individuals have the ability to take back control of our lives by focusing on the Lord as he is the one who calms and gives us the peace that we need. Thank you Lord for taking FEAR away and giving PEACE in its place!
Bobbi W says
I spent way too many years deluded and held prisoner by fears of my own making because I because I kept choosing to believe the lies I listened to.
edel says
My Dad passed away 3rd of April. Im broken without him. I never new such sorrow existed. Im just trying to get through each day. You write beautifully. Thank you
Leah says
Edel, I’m praying for you today. I know the loss of a father can be so painful. My dad went to be with the Lord 2.5 years ago and I still think about him every day. I know it’s extremely difficult right now, but in time, you’ll be able to think about your dad and have those memories without feeling so much pain. In fact, the joy will return as God heals your broken heart.
Elsie says
God is with us through the good and the more challenging times. God does not want us to throw in the towel. He wants us to trust in Him. He will give us the strength and endurance to do this. Thank You,Lord!
Karen says
From this guest post alone, Tracie’s words have strengthened my heart. Fear is a personal stronghold that I battle and this book is what my heart needs… So many of us do! Thank you for the opportunity to win this gift from above, which I truly believe this book is. I cannot wait to see how God works through this part of Tracie’s ministry to restore peace to so many. Blessings to you today and always, Leah!
Kathy says
God’s love and care for us in difficult situations makes me realize how much I can trust Him and look away from all the negative events to Him. I needed to hear again that He will never leave me and will protect me, giving me joy and peace in the midst of trials. Such affirming truths make me want to sing for joy! I would love to read this book. Your words confirm that God wants only the best for His children!
Darlene says
This is a message i needed to hear today and one that needs to be reconfirmed on a regular basis, 65 years young and having having fears that would change with the seasons of my life, fears never going away just being replaced, looking forward to reading this book to help me remember what the truth really is.
Thank you for sharing with us.
Jen Lehr says
Thank you for the encouraging post! I’d love to read Tracie’s book and to share it with a friend who is going through some major trials right now.
Amy Sabol says
This book would be a welcome relief for me- a woman who has been controlled by fear every day of her life; and for so many other women in many different life situations. “Perfect LOVE casts out fear.” — A friend gave me that verse written on masking tape which I stuck onto my purse in a discreet place, (yet others can see if they look in the right spot) — what a beautiful reminder to me that Jesus loves me even though the fears surround and overwhelm me. Scripture is soothing to my soul and Jesus is my Comforter … I have to tell myself that a lot — I hope that blesses the hearts of many women.
Andrea says
No doubt something we all struggle with. Thank you for an opportunity to win this book!
Denise says
Thank you. I needed to read this today.
Christy says
I am helping a friend whose life is falling apart before her eyes, completely out of her control. Her daughter is staying with me for a few weeks while she goes to get trained for a new career to support them. God is good and always provides.
Pamela says
It was 30 years of marriage for me when he left. 5 years have passed and my heart is mending but so slowly. My mind has so many runaway thoughts and fears there are days I want to curl up in a ball and stay in bed. I recognize these controlling thoughts but don’t seem to be able to pry their claws off my heart. I would love to see the strategies that Tracie used.
Joanna Kearns says
PLEASE PICK US ESPECIALLY BECAUSE WE ARE STILL YEARS LATER GOING THROUGH HORRIBLE TRIALS AND SUFFERING AND PAIN WE NEED HELP AND QUICK
Julie says
Tracie’s words speak so eloquently to me. I too have let fear rule my life. We have been going thru difficult professional circumstances which has transferred to severe personal financial troubles. I would so love to read and learn from this book.
Leah says
We are praying for you today, Julie.
Sherry Markwell says
I would love to win a copy. I’m going thru a divorce and I know God is in control and will be with me but fear is overwhelming at times.
Leah says
Sherry, I’m praying that God will continue to reassure you each day of His love, faithfulness, and provision during this difficult time in your life.