Surrendering Fear and Dread

Louisa Ikena reflects on letting go of fear and dread, recognizing that the Lord walks before us everywhere we go. 

Be brave and steadfast; have no fear or dread of them, for it is the Lord, your God, who marches with you; he will never fail you or forsake you. (Deuteronomy 31:6) 

I recently had the opportunity to reflect on the similarities and differences between something to fear and dread versus something to excitedly look forward to. Both instances involve thinking about the future. My fear and dread can cause, at best, butterflies in my stomach and, at worse, a sinking feeling inside like a lead balloon. Excitement and hopeful anticipation, in contrast to fear and dread, can easily cause smiles and belly laughter. This Scripture verse reminds me that the Lord goes before me always.   

A Guided Meditation Soothed My Fears

I once experienced a guided meditation that helped me visualize this spiritual reality. I was guided to think about every place I was about to go and visualize Jesus walking before me. I was at college at the time, so Jesus was walking before me going to Chemistry class, English class, Calculus class, Philosophy class, and (here was the dread) Latin class. I absolutely dreaded my Latin classes in my freshman year of college at Catholic U in DC.

I had taken Latin all four years of high school, but now we had to step it up. Plus, for whatever reason, our curriculum was still classical Latin with its classical pronunciation. I had very much hoped we could study church Latin, and I was sorely disappointed. I had friends with me in that class, but I would dread dragging myself to class. I recognize this difficulty is a First World problem, but it was a problem for me nonetheless.

The meditation of Jesus walking into the class before me really made a huge difference. In the arms of My Lord and My God I am safe with nothing to fear. He will not fail me or forsake me. He gives me the strength I need, exactly what I need, exactly when I need it.  

What Is Left to Fear?

Isn’t every end the beginning of something new? The end of summer, for example, is the beginning of fall. The end of one chapter leads to the beginning of another. And with our faith, the end of life is the beginning of everlasting life. Therefore, what is left to fear? 

A Prayer for Surrendering Fear

Lord, just as You walked before me into my college Latin class, You walk before me always. I might take an action like giving a Latin professor a rose on his desk before he walks in. You know, Lord, I was trying to butter him up. I was trying to manipulate a situation. Yet You purified it, much to my surprise and created a cause for true joy inside him. Lord, I repent of my impure motives.

I’m sorry for when I’ve tried to take over for You, and I’ve caused harm. Please help me always repent of the times I’ve missed the mark. Help me, please, repent but not dwell on my wrongs and character defects. Let my “magical magnifying mind” dwell on the good and the true and the beautiful. 

Thank you for walking before me always. Increase my trust, Lord. Increase our Faith. Help me surrender my fear and dread. Help me remember the wonders You have done in my life. All of the moments of my life have brought me to this moment, right here, right now. There are not enough words in any language to sufficiently say thank you.

Keep my eyes fixed on You, Jesus. And when my focus fails, please gently bring me back. Make a way, Lord, where there seems to be no way. You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Help me be brave and steadfast, strong and courageous. There is no room for fear and dread in Your Most Loving Arms. Amen. 

Share your thoughts with the Catholic Mom community! You'll find the comment box below the author's bio and list of recommended articles.

Copyright 2025 Louisa Ann Irene Ikena
Images: Canva