Releasing Doubts
 and Fears

Marsha McKeon

I wanted to write about Releasing Doubts and Fears because I realized when I looked over my life, many of the rough patches or problems that I have encountered down through the years, stemmed from me being afraid or doubting myself -  and most importantly, doubting God.  Let me give you a bit of background on how I arrived at this important realization. 

Currently I am writing a book called “The Moments that Changed My Life”.  This book is about situations and circumstances in my life that have changed me or have had a profound impact on my life.  As I’ve been reviewing my life, it became clear to me that fear and doubt have inevitably caused many of my downfalls or setbacks.  I felt this was an awesome opportunity for personal growth, as I learned how to release fears and doubts so I can continue to move forward and be what God wants me to be.

Fear and doubt go hand in hand.  Doubt is the state of being uncertain about the truth or reliability of something. 

Reference: http://www.thefreedictionary.com/doubts. 

Fear is anticipation of the possibility that something unpleasant or dangerous will occur.

Reference: http://www.thefreedictionary.com/fear. 

It has been my experience that doubts and fears are feelings and are not necessarily grounded in truth. However, these feelings are so strong that they consume you and affect your behavior. They either cause you to act sporadically or paralyze you to not act at all. Both of these reactions usually have negative outcomes.

The truth of the matter is there are situations and circumstances in our lives, which at face value, can cause fear and doubt. Financial struggles are real. Problems between family members are real. Hardships, sickness and death are real.  In my life, things have been so bad at times that I did not know what to do.  There were times when I was so overcome with my situation, that all I wanted to do was lay in bed with the covers over my head. Sometimes, that is exactly what I did. Finally, I would cry out to God.  However, by the time I decided to truly turn it over to the Lord, the damage had been done.  I thought I was a woman of faith – a woman of prayer.  Yes I was praying, but I was not really trusting.  This was a very eye-opening fact about myself.  At the same time, it was a very valuable lesson.  I have now learned how to release doubts and fears, and have faith in God.

As I looked back over those situations in my life that caused me to doubt and fear, I realized that my biggest problem was that I allowed myself to be consumed and overwhelmed by circumstances. I lost sight of the fact that I serve a mighty God who loves me and is bigger than any problem that I can ever face.  When you are going through something, sometimes it is hard to see your options, or the truth of God’s promise that He will never leave me or forsake me. I lose sight of the fact that God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalms 46:1). 

The solution to releasing fears and doubts is found in Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and he will direct thy path. My fear was caused by not being able to see my way out of a situation. That is what faith is all about – trusting God when I cannot see my way clear.  I had to realize that I cannot trust my own eyes – they lie to me. I cannot trust my situation – it is an illusion. I cannot trust my feelings – they are often not based in truth. 

I came to the realization that when I tried to fix my situation, because I am so short-sighted, I was subject to make the wrong decision.  God can see into infinity. He knows what dangers lie ahead better than me.  Why would I trust anything or anyone else? Why would I trust myself in any situation?

I have been incredibly liberated and freed by learning how to lay myself – my life at the feet of Jesus.  I challenge anyone, to look back over your life and make sure you are truly trusting God.  Look around you – believe me, there is no place else to go to rid yourself of doubts and fears.  When your vision is clouded by situations and circumstances, your only answer is Proverbs 3:5 -6.  We are living in a time where it is risky to not trust God.

There is a song that says, “Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus, just to take him at his word. Just to rest upon His promise, Just to know, Thus saith the Lord”.  God wants us to rest in Him, and believe me – It feels great.  My prayer is that if you are facing hard and scary situations – Trust God.  However, here is the real sweet spot – You can trust Him “in all thy ways”.  Lay all your fears and doubts at the feet of Jesus – and REST!  

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