Fear was my compass: 5 cues that you’re being led by fear (Part 1)

Fear led me for many years. The fears that troubled me often related to other’s perceptions of me, potential rejection, and my inability to uphold perfection. These fears, associated doubts, and the “what ifs” were the primary influences behind my actions for so long. Unfortunately, fear had become an integral part of my life decisions and even how I navigated relationships. Fear was my compass. 

As I reflect on my past, I realize how letting fear guide me resulted in delays, indecisiveness, confusion, and anxiety. I was operating under a veil of deception, believing I was being appropriately cautious. In reality, I was avoiding what I saw as too risky or remaining in situations because they felt  best at the time. I would become overwhelmed often, and used procrastination or avoidance as my primary forms of relief. Procrastinating and avoiding only led to feeling dissatisfied, ashamed, inadequate, and discouraged.  

Today, fear is no longer my guide. I’m human and still experience fear, especially when I’m embarking on ambitious or intimidating goals. However, today I choose not to submit to the fear. Today, I remind myself I wasn’t given the spirit of fear as a guide.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” -2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV

Life the past few years has been all about challenging fears. In 2022 I left my “stable” job of almost 7 years to become an entrepreneur. Operating and maintaining my business has required me to take so many risks. In addition to adjustments with my career, I’ve continued to experience other life shifts. These transitions have forced me out of my usual comforts, brought me face-to-face with my fears, and forced me into choosing hope while exercising my faith.

If you’re relating to what I’m sharing so far, and wondering if you too use fear as a compass, consider these questions: When you make decisions or think about situations…

1. Do you focus more on the possibilities manufactured by your fears than you do on the presenting facts?

2. Do you err on the side of comfort instead of challenge? 

3. Are the nature of your thoughts selfish (about what benefits, serves, or preserves you)?

4. Do you get lost in worry thoughts?

5. Do you often feel confused? 

These are cues that fear may have more of an impact on your life than you once thought. If you answered “yes” to these questions, you too may be using fear as a compass. I encourage you to pause here and write these questions in your journal. Make a plan to return to these questions and spend time thinking deeply about them. Try to recall examples from your past experiences that may fit each to help you further explore how you’ve been navigating through life. If you realize you have been using fear as a compass, know there is a better alternative, the Holy Spirit. 

Holy Spirit is Our True Guide

As a Christian, my belief is that there is one God that manifests as three distinct persons, this is what is understood as the Trinity. The Bible describes God the Father, God the Son (Jesus) and God the Holy Spirit (or Holy Ghost). Each, Father/Son/Holy Spirit are connected, coequal, and yet have distinct roles. The Holy Spirit is a gift available to those who’ve accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

“If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and if you believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead, you will be saved. We believe with our hearts, and so we are made right with God. And we declare with our mouths that we believe, and so we are saved. As the scripture says “anyone” because there is no difference between those who are Jews and those who are not. The same Lord is the Lord of all and gives many blessings to all who trust him, as the Scripture says, “Anyone who calls on the Lord will be saved.” --Romans 10:9-13 NCV

In the book of John, as Jesus is preparing his disciples for his death and resurrection, he promises that after his departure he will send the Holy Spirit to be a guide and teacher for his disciples. That promise didn’t end with the disciples, it started with them and is available to believers today. We don’t have to rely on fear to guide us. The Bible says as believers we have access to Holy Spirit, our personal guide and teacher who was sent to help us.

“And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.”- John 14:16-17 NKJV 

“But the helper, the Holy Spirit, whose the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” -John 14:26 NKJV

“Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.” -John 16:7 NKJV

“I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. However, when He, the Spirit of truth has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.”-John 16:12-13 NKJV 

THIS IS SUCH GOOD NEWS! When I finally understood the significance of these Scriptures and began to live them out, my life changed for the better. I’m excited to continue this conversation in Part 2 of "Fear was my compass." Stay tuned! Until then, I would encourage you to spend some quiet time studying the scripture references above. 

Until the next one, “Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling.” Psalm 2:11 

-Sophia