For me, this includes the act of fear as well as the word itself. There is great joy in my life just now, and immense relief, and the one thing that keeps me from being free in prayer, it seems, is fear – from the “what ifs” to that strange inner resistance we sometimes encounter towards holding still for prayer.
The first day, I found fear arising in the background as my husband awaited final word on a job offer. It helped to deliberately turn toward God within and keep reaffirming trust for whatever outcome we might be facing. [He got the job!] Being in community as I deliberately turned away from fear toward God made the wisdom of turning more believable, and afforded accountability. As perfect loves casts out fear, I consider this adventure together an act of love.
June