October 13: Courage to Step Into the Unknown
- Scriptural: Joshua 1:9 — “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
- Reflection: It’s the month of Halloween, so mentioning fear vs courage seems apropos. Transition calls for courage. It also causes fear.
Often, as circumstances and seasons change, we are accompanied by fear, uncertainty, and anxiousness. How do we handle that state of being, so we can listen to its message, then set it aside?
Every emotional state has a time and place when it is appropriate. Each one has something to teach us. We evolved and survived, in part, due to strong motivators such as fear. So don;’t be ashamed of your feelings. According to mental health practitioner Kristen Francis, MD, fear can be healthy.“Fear is natura. Fear is our brain telling us we need to protect ourselves or those we care about. It’s part of our basic human instinct to want to stay safe and survive.”
Yet fear and its adjacent emotions aren’t always wise guides. Practitioners advise, “Disproportionate or persistent fears are based less on reality and can occur without any clear threat. These types of phobias can include fear of clowns, fear of the end of the world, or fear you have a rare disease. If you’re constantly feeling on the edge, or afraid without being in actual danger, you could be experiencing severe anxiety or panic disorder “It’s important [to] reach out for help …” (full article: https://healthcare.utah.edu/healthfeed/2022/10/fear-when-it-rational-and-when-it-unhealthy)
So how do we manage such emotions? Below are some simple techniques you can adapt to your needs:
1) Practice deep breathing: Inhale slowly through your nose and exhale through your mouth, focusing on making your belly move up and down. You can try breathing in for 5 seconds and out for 5 seconds.
2) Use the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique: Actively engage your senses by identifying five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste.
3) Try progressive muscle relaxation: Consciously tense and then release different muscle groups in your body, starting with your toes and moving up, to reduce physical tension.
4) Move your body: Go for a walk, stretch, or do some yoga. Physical activity can help clear your mind, especially if you can do it outside to get fresh air.
5) Engage in self-soothing: Try a self-hug, use aromatherapy, or soak in a warm bath to promote relaxation.
In times of transition, stepping into the unknown requires trust and strength rooted in God’s presence. Remember, divine companionship accompanies every step. When we feel connected to ourselves, our community, and our God, we can grasp the courage we need. - Spiritual Practice: Try one of the techniques above on a day you’re feeling stressed or fearful. Involve prayer as you seek guidance.
Song:
- “Fear Is a Liar” by Zach Williams: https://youtu.be/1srs1YoTVzs?si=y14XUeKBxHImnLxk
Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, ‘I will try again tomorrow.’ — Mary Anne Radmacher
Oct 13 Daily Devotional