Share your fears with God

"I will praise the Lord and exalt his name for I cried to him and he answered me! He freed me of all my fears." - Psalm 34:3,4 (TLB)

A few years ago, I did a presentation on becoming more confident. I discussed several Bible principles that help us develop more confidence. I knew it was an emotional issue we all struggle with from time to time, and decided it would be good topic to discuss.

I was blessed when one of the women who attended was someone I knew from back in my teenage years. At the presentation, she shared that one of her adult children had a huge fear of flying, and it was something their job required. She mentioned she couldn't wait to share some of the points.

A few years later, I was walking down the aisle at a local grocery store when I heard someone calling my name. I turned around to find my friend walking toward me.

As we talked, she mentioned my presentation. She told me she shared my points on fear with her son, and that he not only conquered his fear, but was taking flying lessons.

I was amazed to see what God had done in this young man's life. I'm not suggesting we all easily overcome our fears. But I believe with this example, God was showing proof it is possible.

There isn't a person alive who doesn't have some kind of fear. Some are realistic or founded by substantial evidence. But many are unfounded, deceptive thoughts. The scene it projects in our mind frightens and paralyzes us from moving forward.

Others can tell us it's unfounded, but we have to get the revelation for ourselves. These are the fears that hold us back and diminish our confidence.

Sometimes fear is good or healthy. For example, the fear that protects us from harmful activity, such as stepping out in traffic without using caution.

There is an acronym for unfounded fear: "False Evidence Appearing Real." When we feel fear, we should ask ourselves if this is what we're experiencing. If we determine it's false, then we should go forward, regardless of the feeling.

Prayer is another giant step in overcoming unfounded fears. We need to share our fears with God and ask for his help to overcome them.

Overcoming unfounded fear is one aspect in helping ourselves to become more confident.

• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, speaker, life coach and nurse. Invite her to speak at your church group, business or be your personal coach. She can be contacted at annetteebudzban@aol.com or (847) 543-8413. Visit www.annetteebudzban.com.