How to Replace the What-Ifs of Fear

Debbie W. Wilson, a practical Bible teacher and counselor, continually points people to the "big God" she serves—the God who is always with us. In this Attitudes UPGRADE, she answers our what-ifs with biblical steps to become less fearful.

Debbie asks, "Have you ever been fearful over what might happen—to you, your child, your spouse, your country, or yourself?"

I (Dawn) am not normally a fearful person. Ok, strike that. I'm unreasonably afraid of house fires and snakes. And maybe empty grocery shelves.

What does the Bible teach us about our what-ifs of fear?

Debbie continues . . .

Most of my concerns fall into the what-if category.

Maybe you can relate to some I’ve felt or heard.

• What if I lose my job?
• What if my symptoms signal something major?
• What if our economy collapses?
• What if my prodigal never comes back?
• What if my husband can no longer work?

Do what-ifs steal your peace? Have you considered the influence of the little word “if”? An “if” in the wrong place undercuts peace and joy.

Too often I’ve allowed a what-if or an if-only to rob me. 

But there is another kind of what-if that empowers.

3 Steps to Becoming Less Fearful

1. Obey God’s Word.

Jesus told us not to worry about what to wear, what to eat, and what to drink. He concluded with, “So do not worry about tomorrow” (Matthew 6:34).

Paul said, “Don’t worry about anything” (Philippians 4:6).

What would happen if we obeyed Christ’s words?

Adam and Eve provide a vivid picture of what happens when we don’t obey God.

The forbidden fruit didn’t look harmful to the couple, but God knew the pain it would cause. Like catching a deadly virus, the poison began to multiply within them the moment they disobeyed God. The repercussions exploded over time.

If Adam and Eve had obeyed God there would be no COVID, no riots, no wars, and no death. We can’t fathom the ripple effect of disobedience.

When we disobey God, our peace, joy, and relationships suffer.

When Jesus says don’t worry, trust Him, He knows best.

When we treat Christ’s words as sacred commands we say, “I will trust you, even if I don’t feel like it. Even if not worrying makes no sense to me.”

2. Stop the Scent of Fear.

When my husband and I visited Yosemite National Park, videos and signs sprinkled throughout the park warned tourists that bears are attracted to the smell of food.

We locked up not only our food, but also lip gloss and anything that smelled like food. Otherwise bears might attack our car or cabin.

Satan smells worry and comes after you the same way bears follow the scent of food. Learn to cast your cares on Christ.

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:7-8).

3. Choose Healthy What-ifs.

Instead of focusing on the negative what-ifs,” fix your thoughts on the Lord. Dread disappointing Him instead of what you fear.

Try these substitutes.

• What if God is for me?
• What if He is trustworthy?
• What if God uses this for our good—like He promised?
• What if He’s worthy of my worship and obedience?
• What if God is bigger than my fears and imaginations?

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego chose to worship God even if it meant enduring the worst they could imagine. Enraged at their defiance, King Nebuchadnezzar had them thrown into a fiery furnace that was so hot the men who threw them in died instantly.

But, when King Nebuchadnezzar looked into the fire, he leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, "Weren’t there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?"

They replied, "Certainly, Your Majesty."

He said, "Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods” (Daniel 3:24-25).

King Nebuchadnezzar SAW the preincarnate Christ in the fire with the three Hebrews.

But Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego EXPERIENCED Christ. He was their sanctuary in the fire.

Jesus never promised we wouldn’t go through trials. He promised to never leave us.

When we remember His character and focus on trusting and obeying Him, we shed the bothersome what-ifs and enjoy EVEN IF peace.

Can you identify a what-if you need to give to the Lord today?

Debbie W. Wilson is an ordinary woman with an extraordinary God. Drawing from her personal walk with Christ, twenty-four years as a Christian counselor, and decades as a Bible teacher, Debbie speaks and writes to connect sojourners to the heart of Christ. Despite time in Boston, the Midwest, and Southern California, she still says y’all. Her family, which includes two mischievous standard poodles, calls North Carolina home. Look for the release of her latest book, Little Strength, Big God, August 2022. Find free resources and connect with Debbie at debbieWwilson.com.

Graphic adapted, courtesy of Mart Production at Pexels.