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1 John 4:18 NLT

'Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear.'

The nights that prove most difficult for me are those when I wake about 2.30am with anxious thoughts. In an instant I know that I’m unlikely to fall back to sleep. My greatest fears over the years boil down to an inability to do what I know I have to get done on time, and a fear of not having enough money to live on. Both are irrational yet very real. Where once I would get up, fret, become angry and resentful, I now have adopted a far more healing strategy.

Now, waking in the wee small hours, I first acknowledge the reality of my fears. I have also adopted a first step which is all part of this acknowledgement. I reach for my prayer rope and in the darkness, lying in bed, I slowly and calmly recite my prayer cycle aided by the beads. The very physicality of using the prayer rope gives me a tangible reminder that God’s love drives away all fear. This is a familiar, safe prayer space for me, so I take myself there and don’t allow my fears to spiral out of control.

Having managed my initial reaction, I get up, pull on my dressing gown and make my way to my second safe space, the small altar before which I say my morning prayer each day. I light the candle and the familiarity of this routine brings me comfort.

If there is something practical I can do to satisfy my anxious mind, one outstanding email or read up a report, I might take 30 minutes to clear that from my mental locker, but I won’t settle to work. Then I take my schedule diary and note emails I need to do, work tasks that come to mind etc. I convince my mind it’s been taken seriously and tasks will be done. I have then established sufficient space to sit with a cup of tea and read a book.

Fear is a mighty monster and attacks us when we least expect it. However, we have in Christ the way forward.

QUESTION: What are your favourite fears, the ones you return to most?

PRAYER: Lord, when I am filled with fear, draw my heart and mind to your great love to me in Christ.