Look Up

How Fear Controls Our Lives 

Fear at 30,000 Feet 

On a recent overnight flight back from the Philippines, I experienced turbulence. It wasn’t extreme, but it was enough to make me think of all the things that could go wrong. Thousands of feet in the air, strapped into a flying metal tube, my mind wandered to worst-case scenarios. My heartbeat quickened, and sleep became impossible. Fear had crept in. 

What Fear Does to Us

Fear triggers a survival response. It speeds up your heart, sharpens your senses, and prepares you for danger. But what happens when you’re strapped in and can’t do anything? Often, fear becomes paralyzing, irrational, and counterproductive. Have you ever been there? 

Afraid of losing a job?
Betrayed in a marriage?
Worried about failing in business?
Anxious about a bad health report?
We all face fear. Rational or irrational, fear often directs our lives more than faith does.

"What we submit to becomes our master."

Faith vs Fear

Many people’s lives are driven more by fear than by what they believe in. That’s heartbreaking because fear robs us of our God-given potential. It stops us from stepping into purpose and blessing. 

These fears create a scarcity mindset, causing us to hoard, close off, and live small. But Christ calls us to live in faith, not fear.

These fears create a scarcity mindset, causing us to hoard, close off, and live small. But Christ calls us to live in faith, not fear.

"If you are a follower of Christ and live like there is no God, what does that say about your faith?"

Jesus’ Response to Fear

When Jesus was preparing to leave His disciples, they were afraid. Their future seemed uncertain.
Peter asked: “Lord, where are you going?” (John 13:36)
Jesus responded:
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.” (John 14:1)
He wasn’t asking for an emotional belief but a deep trust. Jesus promised that our faith in Him would not be in vain.

The Peace Jesus Offers

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)
The word peace here is deeper than absence of conflict. It means shalom — completeness, wholeness, well-being.
Jesus offers a peace that fills every area of life:
Your work
Your home
Your finances
Your relationships 

"Only Jesus can bring wholeness to all areas of your life. The world tries to fix one part but ends up breaking another."

Let Go of What Traps You

Imagine the story of how they trap monkeys — by placing fruit in a bottle with a narrow neck. The monkey grabs the fruit but won’t let go, so it stays trapped.

"What traps you is what you won’t let go of."

Let go of fear. Let go of anxiety. You can’t take hold of peace until you release fear

"Our focus determines our perspective. What we magnify becomes our reality."

So instead of looking around at your problems...

LOOK UP

True Freedom from Fear

Live with God in View

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…” (Colossians 3:15)

Final Reflections

Is your life being led by God or by fear?

"You can’t hold on to fear and hold on to God at the same time."

So the next time fear roars at you...
Look up to the One who is whispering, "I am with you." 

Jesus is near. 

Jesus is present. 

Jesus is your peace.