I hold a list filled with words written in black ink on cream paper. The page is small but the sentences scrawled on it feel big, more than I can handle.

I’m part of a group and our assignment for this week is to write down our fears. The facilitator says, “Okay, we’re all going to read our lists out loud.” I panic for a moment. Read them out loud? Where people can hear? For a second I consider running out the door. But then I think, “No, I want to be free.”

My heart pounds as I begin…

• I’m afraid of not being good enough.
• I’m afraid of disappointing God and others.
• I’m afraid of rejection, failure, conflict, disapproval, inadequacy.

What fears would be on your list?

When we’re afraid, our natural tendency is to hide. We physically or emotionally retreat to where it feels safer. We may hide under the covers in our bedroom, or we might cover our hurt with a smiling face.

God knows this tendency we have as humans, and he doesn’t tell us never to hide. We aren’t in trouble for this instinct. What God does want to change is where and how we hide. God himself wants to be our “hiding place.”

You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you. Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him. Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart! – Psalms 32:7-11

I used to think I had to get rid of my fears before I came to God–that he wanted me to be strong all the time. Instead I’m learning God invites us to come to him when we’re afraid. We don’t have to be alone when we’re scared. We have a loving God willing to be our help and hiding place.

When I looked at my list of fears I wanted to run from them. But instead, perhaps fully for the first time, I realized I can run to God with them. After I got home from my study, I got on my knees and read my list again.

“I prayed to the Lord, and He answered me. He freed me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4

I will face fears again in this life, and so will you. But that moment felt like a breakthrough. Whatever we’re facing, we can come to God with it. He is our strength and security. He gives us courage and makes us brave. His love and truth are bigger and stronger than anything we fear.