Fear and anxiety are a part of life. What causes you to be fearful and anxious? Is it your finances? Is it the fear of what others think? Perhaps it’s even the fear of death.
Author Edward T. Welch offers a short guide to walk us away from fear and anxiety. Welch writes, “Fear and worry are reminders. Better yet, they are opportunities. They are a string around your finger reminding you that you can trust the Creator God who hears, cares and acts. They are opportunities to know God better.”
Welch’s seven-week study guide, When I Am Afraid: A Step-By-Step Guide Away from Fear and Anxiety, will help you identify your fears and learn from examples throughout the Bible about anxious people and situations. We have all heard the phrase from Ecclesiastes 1:9, “there is nothing new under the sun.” Welch addresses many practical situations that can cause us to become fearful or anxious. He writes, “God might bring you deliverance that saves you from your present difficulty, but he might not. You don’t trust in deliverance; you trust in God.”
Welch includes questions to help you think through your anxiety and fear. He sets goals for each week and uses the truth of Scripture to convict you of your anxiety.
Jesus speaks about worry throughout the New Testament. In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus proclaims that God cares for the flowers and birds. These are not as important as we are and yet God cares for them. In verse 34, Jesus says, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself.”
“Here is the choice when you face desperate situations: they can either be moments that lead you in abject terror, or they can be times when the loving Father teaches you some of the most wonderful lessons of your life.”
Welch says, “The message is clear: act on the grace God gives you today, and wait confidently for the grace God will give you tomorrow.” He also reminds us, “Here is the choice when you face desperate situations: they can either be moments that lead you in abject terror, or they can be times when the loving Father teaches you some of the most wonderful lessons of your life.”
I found this study guide helpful as an individual. Since Faith has been focusing on the importance of discipleship, I would recommend going through this book with another mature believer or in your Growth Group. We all have doubts, worries, and fears. We are commanded to encourage one another. Many Growth Groups like to continue to meet over the summer. Because it is only seven weeks long and includes study questions, this book could be a good resource.
Finally, I found the study questions to be quite personal. Personally, I would get the most out of this book and feel more comfortable discussing it with another woman or a small group of ladies where we could be more open and vulnerable in sharing.
When I Am Afraid will help you keep your eyes on Jesus rather than worry and fear.
Katie writes for a digital marketing agency. She grew up at Faith Bible Church and serves in Aspiring Women and as a writer for Living Faith magazine.
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