Faith and fear work in strikingly similar ways, though we often don’t realize it—especially when fear grips us. Both faith and fear require belief. Both ask us to let go of doubt. And both demand action. Whether you’re acting in faith or fear, you are leaning into something unseen, trusting in an outcome that hasn’t yet arrived.

In today’s reflection, written on a Sunday—a day I hold as deeply spiritual—I want to share my own struggles with faith and fear. Sundays often bring me profound clarity, and ironically, fear is sometimes the very source of the lessons I learn.

My Journey With Fear and Faith

Let me be vulnerable for a moment: I have battled fear more times than I can count. Fear has had a way of infiltrating my thoughts, controlling my actions, and clouding my heart. For too long, I didn’t realize that the same energy I was giving to fear—letting it take root in my mind and direct my life—could have been poured into faith instead. Faith is trusting God, letting go, and allowing His guidance to carry me through life’s hardships.

When I was younger, I would let fear dominate for far too long before finally surrendering to faith. Only as I grew older and wiser, and deepened my relationship with God, did I learn to recognize when fear was reigning over my heart. I started to understand that the antidote to fear wasn’t avoidance or control—it was trust. Faith. Surrender.

How to Release Fear and Strengthen Faith

You may be asking, “How do I overcome fear and lean into faith? How do I trust God when life feels overwhelming?” The truth is, this isn’t a one-time solution. As humans, we face internal struggles daily. Fear and doubt will arise again and again. The key is learning to respond differently each time they appear.

1. Acknowledge and Examine Your Fear

The first step is ownership. Be honest about what you’re afraid of and why. Take stock of the fears that dominate your mind. Ask yourself hard questions like: What exactly am I afraid of? What if this fear came true—what would I do?

Often, we catastrophize, making things far worse in our minds than they are. Or we fixate on “what-ifs” that may never come to pass. By breaking fear down, you can see it for what it is: a thought, not an ultimate truth.

2. Surrender Your Fear to God

Once you’ve identified your fears, hand them over to God. Speak your fears aloud during prayer, meditate on releasing them, or write them on a piece of paper and physically destroy it—burn it, shred it, or bury it. Whatever method feels right to you, make it a symbolic act of surrender.

For example, in prayer, you might say: “God, I ask You to come into my heart and lead me. Take away these fears, doubts, and anxieties that weigh me down. I surrender them to You and trust You to guide me in the right direction.”

Afterward, spend a few moments in silence. Allow any emotions to surface, whether tears or thoughts. The release is part of the process. Trust that by giving these burdens to God, you are no longer responsible for carrying them alone.

3. Replace Doubt With Affirmation

When fear tries to creep back in, remind yourself: “I’ve already let this go. God is in control.” Repeating this to yourself—even multiple times a day—helps reprogram your mind to resist fear. Each time doubt arises, remind yourself of God’s promises. You are safe. You are guided. You are loved. God is taking care of your circumstances as long as you’re taking the actions you’re called to take. Over time, this practice will become second nature.

Building a Stronger Foundation of Faith

You might wonder, “How can I have more faith, especially when everything seems to be going wrong?” The truth is, faith is a practice. It’s not something that comes easily or naturally at all times. Even those with strong, long-standing relationships with God will experience moments when their faith wavers. That’s part of the human experience. The key is not to allow hardships to harden your heart or turn you away from God’s guidance.

How to Cultivate Faith:

1. Reflect on God’s Faithfulness. When life feels overwhelming, it’s easy to focus on what’s wrong. But pause and reflect on the times God has shown up for you. Think about the moments when things seemed impossible, but they worked out.

2. Change Your Inner Dialogue. What we tell ourselves matters. Instead of thinking, “Why is this happening to me?” or “Nothing ever goes right,” shift your perspective: “This is hard, but God is guiding me.” Choosing to speak positively about your circumstances doesn’t mean denying the challenges—it means recognizing that God can use even the hard moments for good.

3. Practice Gratitude. Gratitude changes everything. When you intentionally focus on the blessings in your life—big or small—you open your heart to God’s presence. Even in difficult times, there’s always something to be thankful for.

4. Pray and Meditate. When doubt arises, don’t hesitate to turn to God. Talk to Him in the moment. Share your frustrations, fears, and uncertainties. God is always listening, and prayer is a way to align your heart with His guidance.

Faith is a journey, not a destination. Releasing fear and cultivating trust in God takes time and intentional effort. Remember, you are worthy of overcoming fear and building stronger faith. You deserve the peace that comes from trusting in God’s plan, even when you can’t see it clearly. Let this be your mantra: “I trust God, even when I don’t understand. I let go of fear and welcome faith into my heart.”

As you practice these steps daily, your faith will grow. Fear will lose its grip, and you’ll walk more confidently in God’s light.

Jessica xo