Fear Felt Like a Personality Trait
I don’t know about you, but I’ve spent a huge chunk of my life tangled up in fear. For the longest time, I thought it was just my personality—like I was born afraid. But through therapy, prayer, rest, and getting to know God, I realized that fear isn’t who I am. It’s a response. A learned behavior. And it’s especially common in those of us who’ve experienced trauma.
For me, that started early—bullying in second and third grade left deep wounds that followed me into adulthood. Over time, I just accepted fear as part of me. I became “the girl who’s afraid of everything.” Afraid of getting hurt physically. Then relationally. Afraid of financial disaster. Afraid of waiting for the other shoe to drop.
Eventually, fear shaped my expectations. Even on good days, I’d brace for something awful. That kind of mindset steals your joy and keeps you living in a constant state of anxiety.
When Fear Feels Spiritual
There was even a point when I started to think maybe fear was from God—like a divine warning system. I’d feel afraid and assume it meant something bad was coming. That kind of thinking created a really miserable existence. I lived in a pattern of fear, and it colored how I saw everything, including God.
But let me tell you this: Fear is not from God.
Shifting the Mindset
God offers us truth, but He doesn’t force us to believe it. We have to choose what to believe. And that choice changes everything.
I’ve been certified as a belief therapist—a type of Christian counseling that helps people identify faulty beliefs that shape their behavior. So much of what we struggle with mentally—anxiety, depression, fear—can be traced back to what we believe deep down.
We treat the symptoms, but often ignore the root. And fear? It’s driven by what we believe—not just what we feel.
What the Bible Actually Says
In 2 Timothy 1, Paul—writing from prison near the end of his life—reminds Timothy of the truth:
“God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.”
That verse changed everything for me. Fear isn’t God’s tool. It’s not His warning system. It’s not His voice. If you’re feeling fear that cripples you, it’s not from Him.
What God gives us is strength, love, and clarity—not panic.
Your Body and Your Beliefs
Here’s the other side of the coin: fear doesn’t just live in your mind—it lives in your body. If you’ve been stuck in fight, flight, or freeze mode for years (and I have), then you know what I mean. Your body starts to believe it’s always under attack, even when it’s not.
And when you’re in that place? It’s hard to hear from God. Truly. I couldn’t.
But here’s what helped me…
Just Breathe
Last summer, in the middle of something devastating in my marriage, I couldn’t hear the Lord at all. I was overwhelmed, anxious, and desperate for a word from Him.
Then I heard something simple: Just breathe.
Twenty minutes. No agenda. Just deep, intentional breathing. It felt impossible at first—but I did it. And when I finished, I was so deeply relaxed. Then suddenly, I heard the Lord clearly. One phrase. One word. Specific. And when I searched it—it was in Scripture.
That was a turning point. God was speaking—but my fear was too loud.
A Daily Practice
Now, my husband and I take time to sit in God’s presence—just breathing, meditating, waiting. No striving. No performance. Just being still.
“Be still and know that I am God.”
—Psalm 46
Stillness opens our ears. Stillness calms our minds. Stillness makes space for faith to rise.
Faith Over Fear Is a Choice
This mindset shift isn’t just about quoting Scripture (though that’s part of it). It’s about treating fear as an intruder, not an identity.
You might need a holistic approach—Scripture, prayer, rest, therapy, deep breathing, reflection. All of it.
Faith is a practice. Fear is a pattern. We get to choose which one we live in.
What’s Coming
In the weeks ahead, I’ll be sharing more about the trauma I faced, how God restored my marriage, and how you can shift your mindset too. My husband and I are launching The Marriage Altar podcast, and I’m opening up spots for 1-on-1 mindset coaching.
If you’re tired of living under fear, I want to walk with you. Because I’ve been there—and I know there’s freedom.
Until Next Time
For a full podcast episode on this topic and dig even deeper, go to The Mindset Shift of Faith Over Fear
Go to shanastrange.net find blog posts, sign up for updates, and get resources to help you renew your mind.
If you want breakthrough in your life, it starts with your mindset.
And your mindset can shift.
From fear… to faith.
