Laughing When You’re Afraid

I’ll never forget how terrified I was on my first airplane ride. At take off, as the plane raced down the runway and my mom described what was happening, my whole body tensed and my breath caught.

And just like that, we were up in the air. Suddenly I went from being on the verge of hyperventilating to laughing from euphoria. Flying is amazing!

This experience was only three months ago, and I have to admit that most of life is a lot like flying.

I’ve posted about my struggles with anxiety before, and I know that I’m not alone here.  As I begin the final phase of my college career, I am faced with the questions of student loans, career choices, continuing education, and how my health issues will affect all of this.

At times, the stress is suffocating. Have you ever been here before lovely reader?

I’m sure you have. We all face stress in some form or another. Whether it be school, work, family, health…the list is endless.

But what does the Bible say about stress and being a Godly woman?

She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. (Proverbs 31:25 NLT)

That’s right. Stress isn’t really consistent with living as a woman of God. But this verse is kind of crazy in its boldness. When was the last time you stared down fear and laughed?

I know that the last time I laughed fear in the face, I was crammed into the window seat of a jet plane. And you know what? It was the most liberating feeling in the world. Here I am, 30,000 feet above the earth, totally out of control–but God held me there!

You see, there are moments in life that are completely out of our control. Things like diagnoses and job losses can throw us into panic mode because suddenly we lose our grip on life.

So how are we supposed to laugh like the infamous Proverbs 31 woman?

Nevertheless I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand. You will guide me with Your counsel, And afterward receive me to glory. (Psalm 73:23-24 NKJV)

I don’t know about you, but I find this verse extremely comforting. No matter what we face or what sins we struggle with, God is always with us–holding our hand.

Faith does not take away our fears, but it gives us the power to overcome them by shifting our focus to who Jesus is.

Choosing Jesus means letting Him hold your hand and walk with you through this life–especially in the unknown. Leaning on God and trusting His Word is the only way we can find true peace in life’s storms.

When I pause to think back on my life so far, I can see how God has brought me through so many trials and unknowns. I know that He is faithful and will continue to lead me on my journey.

The next time you face the fear of one of life’s many uncertainties, remember that God is holding onto you–even if you can’t always feel His presence. He is there, and He is holding your hand.

When you look past your fears and focus on Jesus, you will find it easier to laugh in the present moment. Instead of being consumed by your worries, you will be drenched in love and grace.  And that, lovely reader, is the moment when your faith takes flight.

Thanks for reading! Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below 🙂

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