A Better Option Than Fight Or Flight

The fight-or-flight response is something that happens in us in the presence of what we perceive to be harmful – a threat of some kind.  It prepares the body to either fight the threat or get out of harm’s way as quickly as possible.

We were created to live securely by living in the care of God – the God who loves us perfectly, weaknesses and all, and yet we’ve all been in stressful or frightening situations where the “fight or flight” response has been activated in us.  Jesus’ friends had this kind of experience as well and Jesus told them this: 

They were all terrified when they saw him.  But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage! I am here” Mark 6:50

Jesus was reminding His friends that they would be okay, not because all threats were suddenly gone, but rather because He was with them as they faced them.  

We are also called to live confidently in the knowledge that God is always with us.  There’s no doubt that in certain circumstances we will feel fear and even though our default action for a long time might have been “fight or flight” we do not have to continue in that way. God will help us understand what to do in those moments.  Can we dare to say: 

Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in you. Psalm 56:3

To live without fear we must intentionally choose to believe God and receive the kindness and tenderness He is offering us.  We must bring every thought captive to Him and allow Him to renew our minds.  We must look to Him to give us peace of mind and to help us face and overcome whatever we feel is menacing us.  He has a good plan and gives us His power to use in our difficult moments.

Fear keeps us from being fully honest about our feelings, prompting us to “run away” by projecting false or only partially true images of who we truly are. Fear causes us to avoid meeting life issues straight on.  We either withdraw or get angry and lash out at those around us.  God wants us to identify what is making us fearful today, then invite Him into our fear so He can deal with it with His powerful love. 

Heavenly Father, Your word says there is no fear in love and we have come to believe that Your love is powerful and will protect us.  Thank You that “fight or flight” are no longer our only options when we feel afraid.  With You as the strength of our life, we can face challenges, even menacing ones,  and do the right thing.  Thank You Lord that You never leave us nor forsake us.  Amen

God is giving us a much a better option to “fight or flight” today. Let’s hear and respond to Jesus promise to be with us so we can think and act with courage today.