His Way is Better

Hey Fam,

Ima try to make this one quick since I’ve been finding the most absurd ways to procrastinate completing an 18-page paper. I even watched the whole World Series… and I hate baseball. 😂

Let’s jump right in! Y’all have seen the movie Inside Out, right? For the few who haven’t, here’s the quick synopsis: the whole movie takes place inside a little girl’s (Riley’s) mind, where five emotions — Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust — take turns running the control panel. Each one represents a different part of how she reacts to life.

In Riley’s mind, the character Joy runs the show. She tries to maintain order and keep everything running smoothly. Throughout the movie, Joy learns that extreme optimism and goofiness are not appropriate in every situation. She learns to allow the other emotions to take turns leading. The movie also gives quick glimpses into Riley’s mom’s head — where Sadness leads — and her dad’s head, which is led by Anger.

Well, guys, if you looked into my head to see which emotion is in charge — Fear is the CEO. Fear has been the emotion that’s kept me safe and secure. It’s kept things predictable and orderly. As long as Fear has led, I’ve been safe.

But just like in the movie where Joy eventually had to surrender her reign so Riley could truly grow, I’m realizing Fear has overstepped — guarding the panel so tightly that no one else, not even God, can touch the buttons.

During this season, the Lord has been calling me to make a lot of moves by faith. I’ve been trusting that His ways are better than mine and that He works all things together for good. I’ve been intentionally trying to override Fear’s grip, but he’s putting up a fight. I’ve been praying and seeking God's Spirit, yet I’ve found myself becoming frustrated and even feeling guilty. I started to believe that because I still felt fear, I was struggling to trust the Lord and somehow disappointing Him. I kept thinking I should be walking in a spirit of celebration and gratitude rather than fear and anxiety.

I brought this up to my Spiritual Direction Coach (courtesy of Biola University lol). We talked about how, in this season of seeking God, Fear isn’t running the panel anymore like he used to — but I still feel his presence. He’s loud, restless, trying to reclaim his spot, yet learning to submit. We walked through how fear is an emotion, but faith is often a verb. Even though I still feel fearful, I’ve been obedient and moving in faith. Toward the end of our conversation we prayed over what the Lord would like me to do with this emotion.

He revealed that He wants to take Fear’s place and become the new CEO — my safety, my provision, the one who runs the panels. He wants to be that steady, tender force that leads. He reminded me that I’m not alone, that He’s the one who holds me. And I felt Him showing me that He’s not upset when I feel afraid; He just wants me to bring it to Him every time. He reminded me that his power is made perfect in my weakness.

Weakness and vulnerability aren’t feelings anyone enjoys, but they’re necessary if we truly want to be filled with the power of God. I’ve used fear like bubble wrap against them — keeping everything from breaking, but also keeping anything from being used or experienced. I’m realizing that level of protection doesn’t bring real peace; it brings paralysis. In trying so hard to self-protect, I’ve kept myself from really living. But God is unwrapping me from the safety I built, teaching me to trust Him again.

The unwrapping is uncomfortable because I’m releasing Fear from his duties — and honestly, he’s served me well. Yet God’s showing me that the very act of walking by faith is a refining fire — the kind that purifies what doesn’t belong. He is the Refiner, and through this process, He’s removing the false sense of safety so I can walk fully relying on Him. I’m learning to trust that He’ll take care of me in ways more beautiful than I could ever expect. His way is better.

-Briana Breathes