Move forward to overcome unfounded fears

"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 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 of flying, but was taking flying lessons.

I was amazed to see what God had done in this young man's life. I'm not suggesting that 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 on 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 that says: "False Evidence Appearing Real." When we feel the 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 fear.

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 an author, speaker, life coach and nurse. She is available to speak to your church, business, civic organization or be your personal life coach. She can be contacted at Annetteebudzban@aol.com or (847) 543-8413.