Today, Fight Fear

I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me. (Philippians 4:13)

How do you face fear? We all have fears that threaten to invade our life.

What do you do when a big fear seems to take hold of you? It is in these moments that it is good to take a time out. Make sure to breathe. Controlling your breathing is a good way to regain control over your body. It is amazing how much you can calm yourself down simply by controlling your breathing.

If it seems that you are falling into panic, focus once again on your breathing. Then, it is time to activate your faith. God is more powerful than any problem or danger in your life. So often, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by the problems that we face in life. But God is always there. We activate our faith when we remind ourselves of his presence.

It is good in these moments to remember the grace and power of God. Today's Bible verse can help precisely in situations like that. "I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me." The Bible always has power. "In salvation history, there is no separation between what God says and what he does." (Pope Benedict XVI, Verbum Domini, 53) In a similar way, we are able to tap into the power of the Word of God when we take it and pronounce it with our lips.

Why did St. Paul come up with such a phrase? He had many reasons for fear throughout his career as an apostle. He had turned his back on his past, making many enemies. He was preaching a relatively unknown God in very hostile circumstances. Nevertheless, the external difficulties made him look inside himself and engage in self-examination. Rather than relying purely on his own strength, he turned to God who is stronger than any difficulty.

Fight fear, so that it cannot control you. Fight fear, so that you can have more control over your own life. Let go and let God.

Question for the day: What battles with fear do I tend not to fight?

I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me. (Philippians 4:13)