The Villains in Your Story

Don’t ask me why, but the 1963 Alfred Hitchcock movie The Birds popped into my mind. Now, I’m pretty sure I never actually saw the film, but as a little girl, I remember the posters—vivid images of birds swarming and attacking people in a small town. I can still picture the woman in the poster, running for her life, her face filled with terror. She was being chased, pursued by something relentless, something that wanted to harm her. And I get it—who wouldn’t run if something like that were chasing after you?

But let’s be real, it’s rarely a flock of birds that stirs up fear and worry in our lives. These emotions don’t show up in dramatic forms. No, fear and worry sneak in quietly, creeping into our thoughts until we find ourselves on the run.  

It shows up when you sit in the waiting room at the doctor’s office, staring at the clock, your heart racing, waiting for test results. The fear that maybe the news will be bad, that something’s wrong with your health, starts to crawl under your skin. It walks with you as you think about your kids—are you doing enough for them? Are you raising them right? The weight of that worry presses on your chest. Then there’s fear about your finances—what if you lose your job, can’t pay the bills, or lose your house? And what about your marriage, that fragile thread you’ve been holding on to—what if it can’t be patched together anymore? Fear that it’s the end makes your heart heavy. So many ways we experience it. Suddenly, fear and worry aren’t just fleeting thoughts—they become constant companions, walking alongside you.

The Villains
Fear and worry are powerful on their own. Together, they can be destructive. They paralyze you, cloud your judgment, and move you to make decisions driven by their grip. Sure, sometimes fear is warranted, but the kind I’m talking about is the one that keeps you up at night, the one that replays worst-case scenarios over and over in your mind, making you react to things that haven’t even happened yet.

At some point, you may realize—you’re starring in your own horror film. You’re so deep in the narrative, you can’t see your way out.

But here’s the truth we need to hear: God's Word tells us in Philippians 4:6-7, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
And in 1 Peter 5:7, we are reminded: “Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.”

This isn’t just advice—it’s a lifeline. Life is tough. We face challenges and realities we can’t escape. But living in a constant state of fear and worry won’t solve anything. It only traps us in our own minds.

Rewriting the Plot
So, when fear and worry begin to overwhelm you, stop. Pause. Take a breath. Here are some action steps to help you shift the narrative.

1. Pause and Breathe:  When fear starts to overwhelm you, stop. Breathe deeply. Allow your shoulders to relax. This simple pause gives you a moment of clarity and control.
    
2. Ask Yourself: What Does This Fear Change?:  What is this fear really changing in my life? What does it do for me? Be honest. Fear won’t give you answers. It won’t protect you. It only steals your peace and joy. If you can’t find a reasonable answer, name the fear for what it is.
    
3. Name Your Fear:  Call out the specific fear or worry you're feeling. Whether it’s about your job, your health, or your relationships, naming it helps you take control instead of letting it control you.
    
4. Ask: How Are You Reacting to It?:  How are you responding to this fear? Are you avoiding it? Freezing in place? Acting on it without considering the consequences? Your response can reveal whether fear is guiding your actions.
    
5. Speak the Truth: Speak the truth out loud. What is the actual truth behind the fear? Is the fear based on reality or built on worst-case scenarios? Reaffirm the truth of God's promises and the reality of your situation. Remember, God's peace transcends all understanding.
    
6. Choose a Different Response:  Finally, choose a different response. Shift your focus away from the fear and look at God. He is beside you, unwavering, even when everything feels chaotic. Let His presence guide you to peace.

God is Peace! He doesn’t promise we’ll be sheltered from life’s storms, but He does promise to be with us in them. In His peace, we can remind ourselves that He is in control.

Let the birds swirl. Let the storm rage. But you—you are not running. You are standing firm, grounded in the peace of God, trusting that He’s got you. You don’t have to fight fear and worry alone. Bring them to Him, and you will receive peace that surpasses all understanding. Peace that guards your heart. Peace that strengthens you to face whatever comes.

And now, here’s the plot twist: This isn’t the end of your story. You get to rewrite it. Change the scene. Give your story a different ending—one filled with hope, strength, and peace. The birds may circle, the storm may howl, but you’ve chosen to stand in the calm, trusting in the One who holds your future. That, my friend, is how you change the narrative. Let His peace be the final word in your story.