Exposure Therapy: When fear feels overwhelming

Read: Isaiah 43:1-7

Meditation verse:

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you (Isaiah 43:2).

 

Fear is one of the most crippling emotions we can experience. It has the power to paralyze potential, sabotage purpose, and keep us from living the life God has prepared for us.

 

In the world of mental Health Counseling, ‘Exposure Therapy’ is a counselling intervention often used to help individuals overcome morbid fears—phobias that trigger intense anxiety and avoidance behaviors. The principle behind this technique is simple yet profound: by gradually and deliberately facing the feared situation, with the support of a therapist, the individual begins to realize that their fear is either exaggerated or unfounded. Over time, this repeated exposure reduces the intensity of the fear. In contrast, persistent avoidance only reinforces and prolongs it.

 

Isn’t that what God does with us? He doesn’t always remove the “waters,” the “rivers,” or the “fire.” Instead, He walks with us through them. His presence is the healing balm. His promises are our lifeline. And He is our Greatest Therapist. Infact, I sometimes wonder if psychologists unknowingly anchored this approach in the wisdom of Isaiah 43:2, which says: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you.”

 

For years, I had a morbid fear of flying. I avoided events that required air travel. On the occasions I couldn’t, I barely slept the night before. Panic attacks and repeated visits to the restroom were my routine at the airport. Though I haven’t completely conquered this fear, I’ve learned to manage it—and exposure therapy has played a major role. How did I begin to overcome it? Through my own version of exposure therapy. At take-off, I would close my eyes and imagine Jesus Christ sitting beside me. I would whisper His promises, anchoring my soul in the truth of His Word. My favorite is Psalm 91:14–16: “Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation.” And in those moments, peace would slowly settle in.

 

What about you? What fear has taken root in your heart? Who or what are you afraid of? Don’t let fear rob you of the abundant life you were created for. Jesus Christ is the ultimate therapist—ever-present, ever-faithful.  “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1)

 

Talk to Him about your fear today. He understands, and He is with you as you take that first brave step forward.

 

IN HIS PRESENCE is written by Oke Chinye.
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