Walking down the parenting path has led me to many sleepless nights. When doing it alone, it is even worse. Many parents fear mistakes their children will make, financial problems, or what the future holds. In the past, I have been one who was consumed by fear (many unfounded) and struggled to overcome fear:
- fear that if my children didn’t make the honor roll they would get into a bad college or heaven-forbid not go to college at all
- fear that this temporary “tight” financial month would somehow spiral out of control and leave me homeless
- fear that my child talking back to me meant that he/she was somehow on the path to juvenile delinquency
- fear that my teenage driver’s exceeding the speed-limit would result in a fatal car crash.
My goodness. I could go on and on. Our thought life can inundate us with fears of every kind. And yes, some are realistic concerns. I struggled for years to let this go and can confess in telling you that I am not there yet. But there are some key lessons I have learned in overcoming fear. I wanted to share with you.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7
God gave us a sound mind. Stop letting your thought process take your down a ridiculous worst-case-scenario path.
“I sought the Lord and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.” Ps 34:4
Pray. Cling to your faith. He hears our every cry. Keep reaching out every time you feel consumed with fear and let the Lord give you everlasting peace over it.
“Do not worry about your life…..” Matt 6:25
For more information on critically-acclaimed author and speaker, Jennifer Maggio, visit her website at http://www.jennifermaggio.com or http://www.thelifeofasinglemom.com.
Trust in God. Trust in his love. Love your self. Love your children. The rest will take care of itself.