Fear Knots

I recently read a book by Dr. Ken Nichols called Untie The Fear Knots… of Your Heart and learned a great deal about fear and how to overcome it. He gives very practical illustrations of the optics of fear through relatable stories that captivate empathy. Nichols says, the things that paralyze us with fear are the emotional ropes [that] tie us up and rob us of our freedom to enjoy life (2010, p. 5).

Fear can run our lives if we let it and control everything we do or even lead us to not do something that would stretch us and allow us to flourish. Fear is something that can destroy our body, mentally through our emotions as well as physically manifested within our physiology. What emotions are expressed underneath or behind fear, such as anger, depression, and anxiety are what we must first address.

The emotion of fear itself is not the problem, but it’s what we do with it (Nichols, 2010, p. 13).

When we face the fear of the unknown we are unable to see a clear vision of where we need to go in our lives or what will happen to us in certain circumstances. God tells us hundreds of times in scripture to “fear not” when he addresses us with a command or a promise. He intends for us to trust him, through faith, when we face the fear in our lives.

When we do not know what is going to happen with us and others or what to do in certain situations, fear grips us and manipulates us to believe that we cannot possibly find a way.

Hope-filled people are not defeated in times of hardship- not necessarily because they expect things to get better, but because they can see God's purpose even in their pain (Nichols, 2010, p. 110).

God’s hope gives us a purpose and a reason to continue fighting through our struggles. His strength is what gives us hope of a better future to cling onto and open our minds to what he can do for us. Often, we do not understand why certain things happen to us and others, but through it all God is in control and his love comforts us.

God’s love is powerful enough for us to untie the fear knot of the unknown, unexpected, and unbearable situations in our lives. John reminds us that God is not just the source of love; he IS love (1 John 4:15).

Faith conquers fear, hope gives the endurance necessary to withstand fear, and love tosses out the remnants of any fear that is left (Nichols, 2010, p. 130).

Here's some more thoughts by Dr. Ken Nichols:
We need to cultivate daily reminders of the absolute faithfulness of God. In good times and bad, and success and failure, God is faithful. When we focus on his faithfulness on our behalf, we will begin the process of untying the fear knots around our heart. “Do not be afraid”, God says, “for I am with you”. He promises his presence. Whatever situations are striking terror in your heart these days, he says he will stand with you. Whatever the outcome, you can count on his company.

TRUTH FROM GOD TO FEAR NOT

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13).

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear... (Psalms 46:1).

Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22-23).

Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God (Psalms 146:5).

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity [fear], but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline [a sound mind] (1 Timothy 1:7).

The Lord is my light and my salvation- whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life- of whom shall I be afraid (Psalms 27:1).

Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows (Luke 12:7).

Purchase Dr. Ken Nichols book: Untie The Fear Knots… of Your Heart.

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