Rising Above The Temptation To Fear

Everyday we encounter numerous temptations. Things from the flesh, the world, and the devil challenge us to better seek Christ and overcome obstacles. One prevalent temptation in today’s time is the temptation to fear. It is interesting how we were in the middle of Lent in 2020 when the covid outbreak started. And now, in 2022, we start lent during the first major conflict between two countries in recent history. There is also fear of the uncertainty of life, of our country, of the economy. In short, it is easy to fear, and there are a lot of good reasons to tempt us in that direction.

You Are Not Alone

How do we overcome the temptation to fear? Trust and humility.

Do we trust that God is in the midst of our sufferings, that He is in the midst of our troubles? God unites himself with us in our struggles of life, allowing His will to be achieved even in the worst of situations. This is why praying the psalms can offer much comfort in that reality.

“Even if I go through the deepest darkness, I will not be afraid, Lord, for you are with me. Your shepherd’s rod and staff protect me.” (Psalm 23:4)

God is with us always, and He is in control. The more we reflect on that, the most we can trust that good will always conquer evil – even if things do not appear that way to us now.

Humility Can Be An Eye Opener

Often our fear comes with the feeling of helplessness. What can we do to fix everything that is wrong in the world? The answer can be found in the examples of numerous saints throughout Church history. We do what we can, and we do it with love. Thus, humility is needed to help us recognize our call of service, but to know that we can only do so much and that God will use that and do even more.

Another answer can be found in our Lord’s prayer: our daily bread. No more, no less, we move one day at a time in hope.

“The secret of happiness is to live moment by moment and to thank God for all that he, in his goodness, sends to us day after day.” – St. Gianna Molla.

So when we continue on the journey of Lent and find ourselves tempted to fear, let us seek to trust Christ by growing in prayer, let us do what we are called to do in our almsgiving and fasting, and let us be in peace that God’s will always be done.

Daniel Quintero is a newlywed husband, writer, and avid karaoke singer. He currently attends Prince of Peace Catholic Church where he volunteers in the lector ministry and with faith formation. His favorite motto: Awkwardness does not exist.