Fear is not always about what you think it is. Sometimes, it’s pointing to something much deeper.
Have you ever stopped to question why you’re afraid of something? Perhaps you’re avoiding a new opportunity, holding back from a relationship, reluctant to pursue financial growth or constantly talking yourself out of the next step.
We often focus on the thing we’re afraid of without examining what’s driving that fear.
In Episode 20 of the Fearless One podcast, Nerissa explores what might be hiding underneath our fears and why confronting them requires more than simply telling ourselves to be brave.
Fear is often a symptom of something deeper
Some of our fears are learned through experiences, relationships and the beliefs we develop as we grow. A painful experience can make us reluctant to trust again. Childhood messages can shape how we see money, success and our own capabilities.
Nerissa shares a personal example of how a fear of mathematics developed into a belief that she wasn’t good with numbers. But underneath that belief was something much deeper: a fear that having money would make her less accepted and less loved.
It took months of unpacking to recognise the connection between those beliefs and her financial decisions.
The lesson? Sometimes the thing we think we’re afraid of isn’t the real issue.
Start with your identity
Scripture reminds us in 2 Timothy 1:7 that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind.
When we begin to understand who God says we are, we can start identifying the beliefs and habits that don’t align with that truth.
We are not defined by our past experiences, mistakes or the labels others have placed on us. Our identity in Christ gives us a different foundation from which to approach life, relationships, business and the opportunities before us.
Rather than allowing fear to make our decisions, we can bring our concerns to God, examine what’s underneath them and take practical steps towards freedom.
A question worth asking
What is your fear trying to tell you?
Is it pointing to an unresolved experience, a belief that you’re not good enough, or a concern that you don’t deserve the opportunities ahead of you?
You don’t have to figure it all out in one sitting. Start by asking God to show you how He sees you.
Little by little, you can begin to replace the beliefs that hold you back with the truth of who you are in Him.
Your fears don’t frighten God.
Listen to Episode 20
Listen now and take another step towards living fearless.
Substack –> https://trulynerissa.substack.com/p/whats-hiding-under-your-fears-fearless
Spotify –> https://open.spotify.com/episode/6sewZP4L0UM6467NoqsCdT?si=Oxy5EKODSXGrYwWh5X6ukA
YouTube –> https://youtu.be/PId_08CXzMc
Listen to the podcast via Audible https://a.co/d/0ayunBh5
Books By Nerissa
Explore Live Fearless: A Christian Entrepreneur’s Guide to Life and Business. Get yours at https://amzn.to/4pgFgUz
Discover Breaking the Cycle, a collection of stories from 19 women choosing to break old patterns in their lives and families. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HQVJ2WLF?tag=trulycariwoma-20.