Sick of being scared

[Nuruns]

Over two years ago, I began to worry about a pretty irrational yet not impossible fear. I did it to myself, it just occured to me yet the fear wouldn’t leave and in a short time grew into a severe obsessive paranoia. It’s not as severe now, two years later but the fear is still there. I’ve prayed month after month for God to deliver me from this fear but receive no answer. I plead to him to assure me that what I am afraid of will never happen to me, send me some kind of a sign, anything, but there is still no reply which only makes my fear worse because I think that it will one day be justified.

I am asking then, if anyone knows if God sometimes allows people to live in fears and obsessions like these, even if they will not come to be. Perhaps it’s a cross, or penance, but there are times when I can’t take being so afraid all of the time. I wish God would help me.

 

[Zooey]

First of all, I think that it is pretty normal for all of us to have such fears at times. They may go away, or at least lessen with time.
You certainly have my:byzsoc: prayers.

In the meantime, I think it is helpful not to beat yourself up about it too much. Being afraid of something isn’t anything to be ashamed of, or to feel guilty about; it just seems to be part of being human, with the capacity to imagine things that may or may not happen in the future.
On the other hand, it sounds as though this may be really getting to you. Have you considered sharing this with a trusted spiritual advisor? Perhaps this might help you to find a way to deal better with this problem.

I’m sorry that I cannot be more helpful. I would suggest prayer whenever the fear arises, even if it is just a quick offering up of the feeling to our Lord…
God bless you & yours.

 

[Joe_Kelley]

. .
I am asking then, if anyone knows if God sometimes allows people to live in fears and obsessions like these, even if they will not come to be. Perhaps it’s a cross, or penance, but there are times when I can’t take being so afraid all of the time. I wish God would help me.

Whenever we have a problem it is a good opportunity to offer it up and pray for others with the same problem. I have been told, and believe, that prayers for others are much more effective when we share their pain.

 

[water]

I did it to myself, it just occured to me yet the fear wouldn’t leave and in a short time grew into a severe obsessive paranoia.

Don’t rule out the health issue. You might want to see a doctor (I couldn’t say more because of the forum’s policy on giving health advice)

 

[blessedstar]

Over two years ago, I began to worry about a pretty irrational yet not impossible fear. I did it to myself, it just occured to me yet the fear wouldn’t leave and in a short time grew into a severe obsessive paranoia. It’s not as severe now, two years later but the fear is still there. I’ve prayed month after month for God to deliver me from this fear but receive no answer. I plead to him to assure me that what I am afraid of will never happen to me, send me some kind of a sign, anything, but there is still no reply which only makes my fear worse because I think that it will one day be justified.

I am asking then, if anyone knows if God sometimes allows people to live in fears and obsessions like these, even if they will not come to be. Perhaps it’s a cross, or penance, but there are times when I can’t take being so afraid all of the time. I wish God would help me.

Everyone who is psychologically sound gets scared sometimes. Jesus was scared in the Garden of Gethsemane, but he accepted what the Father willed.

You have no foundation for your fears, but sometimes if we see someone we know and love suffer or if we encounter someone suffering greatly it can make us afraid of the same experience even though there is no reason that this will take place.

Don’t be afraid.

God gives grace sufficient to carry the cross. You have your cross just as I have mine, we all have one. You have carried your cross sufficient to this day because Jesus is with you and His grace upholds you and he has sent the helper to help you and love you. As you look back over your life you may wonder how you have endured what you have endured to date, but you have and you have because God is with you.

You cannot plan nor prepare for the cross with the use of the imagination, it is never how we imagine, it is always as it is. We cannot know exactly what the future holds but we can trust in Jesus and give everything over to Him.

God always has great things in store for those who love Him, He makes the sun rise just for you, He makes birds sing just for you, He makes plants grow just for you etc. There are so many things to be thankful for.

Can I suggest that when you get up tomorrow, just live in that day without thinking about the future. Take note of all the good things around you, take note of everything and thank God for everything whatever it is you encounter in your day. Call to your mind your favourite song, favourite drink, favourite place and thank God for it and see how much He has done for you and ask Him to grow in trust in Him.

May I suggest that you go and speak to your Priest, he will be pleased to listen to you and offer you his guidance and support. This is causing you great distress when it need not do and where there is distress, stress only increases which can increease your fears.

Pray to Jesus and tell Him you love and trust Him, tell Him things are beyond you and hand them all over into His Hands. Place yourself in His Providence. Ask the Blessed Virgin Mother Mary to pray for you that you be granted the grace of her serenity.

Pray, persevere in prayer and don’t worry.

In the Living Prayer of my life.

 

[richardwy]

I am asking then, if anyone knows if God sometimes allows people to live in fears and obsessions like these, even if they will not come to be. Perhaps it’s a cross, or penance, but there are times when I can’t take being so afraid all of the time. I wish God would help me.

I have lots of experience with queer stuff. Things that just don’t fit.

I go to confession, attend to all my happy religous duties, and regard the remainder of my life with the hope that God might turn it to good account since I cannot make hay of it myself.

 

[Didi]

It helps me to repeat over and over “Jesus, I trust in You.”

If I feel like I’m under spiritual attack, I repeat the St. Michael the Archangel prayer until my fear and anxiety subside.

Pray, pray, pray, and offer up your fear to Our Lord and He will turn it into blessings for you and for others.

 

[Coreopisis]

Over two years ago, I began to worry about a pretty irrational yet not impossible fear. I did it to myself, it just occured to me yet the fear wouldn’t leave and in a short time grew into a severe obsessive paranoia. It’s not as severe now, two years later but the fear is still there. I’ve prayed month after month for God to deliver me from this fear but receive no answer. I plead to him to assure me that what I am afraid of will never happen to me, send me some kind of a sign, anything, but there is still no reply which only makes my fear worse because I think that it will one day be justified.

I am asking then, if anyone knows if God sometimes allows people to live in fears and obsessions like these, even if they will not come to be. Perhaps it’s a cross, or penance, but there are times when I can’t take being so afraid all of the time. I wish God would help me.

I have fears too that I am semi-obsessive about so I know what you are going through. (thus my quote under my signature)

Everyone has offered you good advice and I agree with them all. It would be a good idea for you to see a therapist or at the very least read a book on obsessive fears and try to figure out how to get past them.

Meanwhile, offer up your suffering for the poor souls in heaven , they in turn will pray for you too. (You’d be surprised how well this works.) With all this worrying you’ll probably get 10 out of purgatory! !!!

Also continue to pray. I’ve had been praying for things for 10 years before my prayer is answered. Sometimes, I believe, the icky stuff we go through is part of His plan. Usually after it is over you can look back on it and see all the benefit. But while you are going through it…it is just hard.

Keep your chin up. I will pray for you tonight. I am really sorry you are going through this. Fear is not fun, but try to have courage.