Boo! Don’t worry, I’m not trying to scare you. It’s an illustration. Practical jokers use this one syllable weapon to startle their unsuspecting victims.

It plays on our vulnerabilities. It causes a paralysis in our faith and keeps us from standing in the promises of God.

Of course, there is a healthy kind of fear. It evokes a holy respect for the Almighty and gives us wisdom about what harms us. (see Proverbs 1:7)

But the fear I speak of pounces on our pain and exploits our suffering. It suggests the worst possibilities — many of which will never come true.

I’ve battled this bully often and it is no joke.

When my family struggled in the 2008 recession, fear told me we’d lose our home. We didn’t. In fact, God preserved and restored us. We live in the same house today.

When my mother and father passed away, fear told me grief was insurmountable. It isn’t. In fact, God’s comfort in my life enables me to share His comfort with others.

When you consider who or what matters to you, do you hear “Boo!” in the background? Anytime we have a reason to be afraid, we have the need to seek God.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Eternal, “plans for peace, not evil, to give you a future and hope—never forget that.” (Jeremiah 29:11 Voice)

I love how the Voice translation includes the phrase “never forget that.” It exposes how fear erodes the memory of God’s faithfulness, power and love.

His plan for us to have peace doesn’t diminish, even if the worst happens.

What if “they” don’t show up or “it” doesn’t work out?

What if the problem comes back or resources run short?

What if the treatment fails or if someone doesn’t treat us well?

These scenarios can have life-changing, faith-challenging and disastrous implications. And yet, there’s another consideration.

The Lord is my light and the One Who saves me. Whom should I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life. Of whom should I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1 NLT)

If I focus on other people or the cause of my concern, I might lose courage. But if I keep my eyes on the Lord, I find His strength.

Eventually, we all have to decide if we will allow fear (or heartache) to have the final say.

Instead, I’m saying “Boo” to fear. I’m Better Off Overcoming (BOO) instead of staying stuck in being afraid.

“You see, God did not give us a cowardly spirit but a powerful, loving, and disciplined spirit.” (2 Timothy 1:7 Voice)

My powerful, loving and disciplined spirit is fighting fear with every word I type — in Jesus’s Name. He’s triumphed every foe and causes us to stand with hope for the heart and joy to the soul.