Fear not for I bring you tidings of great joy
Part 7
Father, I am afraid.
Afraid of fear. Afraid that I will throw myself into the pit of fear even though the things I feared did not come to pass. Afraid that, at the very moment I was ready to stand firm, instead fear will seize me, and my body will rebel against all that my mind approves of and all that I tell it to do.
My dearest, you are right: this is the greatest fear of all: the fear of fear. But you can see the absurdity of it can’t you. And I know this is what torments you: you know for certain that you are foolish to be so afraid, but you still can’t stop yourself doing it. Firstly, remember, you are a physical creature with a body. It works in certain ways. You have to accept that and work with it. Don’t try fighting your own body. But don’t be over-awed by it either. Remember that I am its maker and you are “the owner” of this body. I don’t mean to draw a distinction between you and your body; you are your body: I’m just saying, don’t complain that it screams, “I’m afraid” if you press the “fear” button. What can we do about this? Well, we’ve already learnt a lot together today, haven’t we? Remember, to be courageous doesn’t mean that you have no fear; it means that, in the face of your fear, you face up to what you need to do, and do it regardless of the fear. Don’t be so impressed by what this body and mind of yours is telling you. What do you believe in? Who do you love? Then do what is good and right by them and let your fear rage impotently. It shouts loud, but its only power is your own, and if you have put your power at my service then all it can do is moan. Put your earphones in and listen to my song.
Spiritual Devotion 