Untangling the Knot of Fear

Fear demands our focus. Here’s how to shift it.

Letting go of the chaos of fear
Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto

When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You. (Psalm 56:3, NASB) 

That particular day I was late. I’d stuffed my knitting into a bag and rushed to the coffee shop where my friends were already gathered. It had become our habit to meet once a week for a little healthy breathing space and companionship. We’d catch up on each other’s families, discuss issues we were dealing with, and share prayer requests.

When I pulled out my yarn to begin working on my scarf, all I had was a jumbled mess. In my haste to get out the door, my rough handling had left me with hours of detangling ahead. I began to work gently, knowing that any yanking would only pull the knots tighter.

Read More: How Positive Thinking Boosts Energy

As I worked, one of my friends made an observation I’ll never forget. 

“You know, that knot of yarn is an awful lot like fear.”

I just stared at her. She knew how much I was struggling with fear while our son was deployed. With him in harm’s way, my world had lost its foundation. Everywhere I turned, I found conflict, condemnation and confusion. My view into the future had turned from a beautiful thread of hope into a tangled mess—a lot like the yarn I was wrestling with. The more I struggled with and focused on my fears, the tighter the knots became.

Shop Guideposts: Books on Positive Living

I had to stop, present the knotted mess to God, and let Him untangle my life. Sure enough, with time and His help, I learned how to relax my hold on terror and rest in the hope only God could provide.

Share this story

WWJ Devotionals Autumn Thanksgiving 2024 Right Rail Ad

Community Newsletter

Get More Inspiration Delivered to Your Inbox

Scroll to Top