Written By: Tayler Cathrine
There I was lying awake being over taken by fear. “What if someone breaks in, how would I protect all my kids? What is my husband up to? What if while we’re traveling something happens to all of us on the plane? Maybe we should split up and go on different planes.” Every time my husband told me he was leaving again, I would think, “There goes any chance of me sleeping for the next 8 months.” You see, whenever my husband was gone, night would come and my thoughts would take over, sending me into worry, anxiety and stress, robbing me of any peace or rest. I would leave the TV on just so I didn’t feel alone.
Gone were the days of the fearless girl who never worried about tomorrow. No one ever told me about the instant “mom guilt” I would feel after having children and no one every told me about the crazy fear that I’d experience in motherhood either. I was now blessed with these children to protect… but what if I couldn’t?!? My fears took over and I would think of all kinds of scenarios of how I would protect my kids from intruders. It’s not that I’m saying it’s a bad thing to have a plan, but these thoughts consumed my mind every night.
I am a huge believer in capturing and casting out thoughts that are not from God. This journey of motherhood sent me on a new journey in my faith. Every time a thought came in that was not in line with God’s Word, I would immediately cast it out. “No, God take that fear. It’s not from You. In Jesus Name I rebuke that. Fill me with Your peace and truth.”
There were many nights I remember falling asleep after casting out negative thoughts for hours, praying for God’s peace to wash over me so I could at least get a couple of hours of sleep. When my mind was filled with those awful thoughts it was like my fears would come alive and every little noise would send my heart racing. But when I would surrender those thoughts and fears to God He would bless me with a peace that allowed me to sleep soundly.
It has been quite the journey for me in this area, but earlier this year when my husband left for work and came back, I realized none of those thoughts ever crossed my mind. I slept well, with no TV on, and lived in God’s truth of protection over my family. When I began the journey, it felt as though I was casting out thoughts nonstop. Then I noticed it was a few times a day, then maybe once a week, then once a month or so. Eventually it got to the point where I wasn’t really facing those fearful thoughts anymore. When they come up I’m so quick to bind them up that they don’t cripple or affect me any more.
When we fill ourselves with God’s truth there isn’t room for the lies of the enemy.
Wash yourself over today in some of God’s peace and protection!
2 Samuel 22:3-4 – “The God of my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge; my Savior, You save me from violence. I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies.”
Proverbs 18:10 – “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”
Proverbs 29:25 – “The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD shall be safe.”
Colossians 3:15 – “And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.”
1 Peter 5:7 – “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.”
What fears do you need to cast out today?
What are some past experiences you’ve had where God helped you overcome a fear?
Don’t try to overcome fear alone! Seek godly friendship and counsel for encouragement. If you’re married have your husband pray with and over you. God is right there with you. Cast your fears on Him and He’ll help you overcome them!
Written By: Tayler Cathrine
