Every waking day of your life has been dreadful for the last few days, or weeks or months even. You convince yourself today that everything will work out fine, but then that familiar feeling keeps oozing from your veins — you’re afraid. Hello, old friend, how long has it been?

You remind yourself over and over again that the only logical response to your fear is self-assurance, that you can do all things as long as you don’t let the darkness take over your life. So you get up, dress nicely, cling to the idea that life has always been a mess. All you have to do is dispel the dread and start finding your passion. But you can’t even bring yourself to do the things you used to love. It’s debilitating.

Why are you afraid?

Pressure. Restlessness. Anxiety. Yearning.

They are always the same thing. They are always the same reason for your self-doubt. They wade through your consciousness because you let them, don’t you? You are afraid because just when you thought everything is finally coming together, you see it crash before your eyes. That is life reminding you that things don’t always go as planned.

You are afraid because you remain stagnant in life. You are scared because at times when you want to at least move on and do something relevant, something happens and it takes away all the motivation you saved for so long.

But dear self, it’s okay. You can be afraid but still open your heart, ears, and eyes to the people who need your company. Be scared of the unknown because it’s the only way to survive. Fear persists because it’s a natural part of life.

Go back. What do you do when you’re afraid? You pray. You cast all your worries to The One who owns your heart. His words do things differently.

You are afraid to do things your own because you are afraid of the idea of failing. You are scared of the idea of being a failure. Love, it’s okay. It’s okay to be afraid but remember: fear no darkness.

Move on. One step at a time. Again, be afraid, and do it anyway.

We make our own plans, but the Lord decides where we'll go." - Proverbs 16:9