Why We Need To Embrace Risk

“The only thing to fear is fear itself…” -F.D. Roosevelt

By Philip K. Hardin, MDiv, LMFT, LPC

By Philip K. Hardin, MDiv, LMFT, LPC

Taking risk is meant to feel scary, but pushing through this fear is your only ticket to experiencing new and exciting things, discovering more about yourself, growing -and living the life God calls us to live.

We should all learn to embrace risk rather than fear it. It is one of our greatest learning tools.

When have you taken a risk that paid off?

I find myself reading through the Psalms every morning looking for strength and wisdom for the day ahead. Psalm 31 has inspired me to risk even during a time when I’m being invited to fear.

 Psalm 31:13 – “I hear many whispering, ‘Terror on every side!’ They conspire against me and plot to take my life.”

 In this time of the corona virus I find it easier to identify with the psalmist. I, too, keep hearing of the “terror on every side.”  The millions of viruses scattered by coughs and sneezes are enemies “who pursue us,” stealing into our homes and lungs and making those they infect “objects of dread” to our neighbors and  friends. “Those who see us on the street flee from us” (Psalm 31:11).

But…

the psalmist would have us move past such fear to say, 

“I trust in you, Lord; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in your hands; deliver me from the hands of my enemies” (Psalm 31:15).

We aren't meant to live a life of quarantine in isolation or avoidance. As Scripture guides us in II Timothy 1:7 –

“… God did not give us a spirit of fear but of power and love and a sound mind”.

God wants us to trust Him and take the initiative to take charge of our lives. That involves a new way of seeing —a fundamental reorientation of how we look at life, and our position in it. 

I believe in this season of Covid-19, we are faced with a great tension, a real battle of building His kingdom and defeating the forces that seek to rob us of who God designed us to be and steal the life He offers us.

I am suggesting that even during this time of coronavirus that God is inviting us to trust Him and that invites us into risk. 

Rather than living by fear, we rest in Him.

I acknowledge that my times are truly in His hands, and that is absolutely, infinitely better than if they were in my hands.

Confronted with fear, uncertainty and open questions, we would do well to review the current state of coronavirus research and reflect on what makes a healthy Christian response to this threat.

Be wise in your approach to the virus by considering your own immune system, studying the research, practicing social distancing, wearing a mask, or staying home as you believe is best.

There is no doubt that the circumstances of life can easily increase our fears.

As Christians, we also know that it dishonors God when we try to control our world instead of trusting Him.  Every day you and I make a choice to take a risk and trust God or try to protect ourselves.

The children of Israel never fully trusted that God would take care of them, and as a result they lived miserable lives trying to control their circumstances and fears.

Taking a risk is embracing whatever we fear by expressing trust in God’s love, protection and provision. When we overplay safety, we miss out on fully knowing and connecting with God and others and being known by them.

Consider these FOUR PRIMARY RESPONSES TO FEAR:

FIGHT, FLIGHT, FREEZE, & FAWN.

1. Fight:

We go on the attack. Often involves the emotion of anger. “I’m mad and I’m not going to take anymore.” 

2. Flight:

We run. We think we can run from the fear by avoidance. Or, we can run from the fear by running to something to either numb or take our mind off the fear. “I’m out of here!”

3. Freeze:

We become immobilized by feeling overpowered. “I’m scared to death!”

4. Fawn:

We merge or comply with another to stay safe. “I’ll just do what I’m being told to do and make the best of it.”

A better and more honoring way to handle fear is to FACE it!

Here are some risk-taking suggestions:

1.  Walking by faith and trusting God for your safety and well-being while being wise to regard the best research is a risk.

2.  Seeking connection by reaching out to friends and community is a risk. But, to avoid contact with others can increase your fear. Make connection in a safe way. You need people.

3.  Admit your fears by practicing confession, journaling, and seeking counseling. These practices can especially be valuable during this unique season of corona virus.

4.  Face your fears by confronting them, do it gradually. Fear only grows in avoidance.

5.  Learn from fear by seeking to stretch yourself. Exercise your risk—your faith/trust muscle.

When I look back on risks that I took to trust God, I see that God used those to increase my trust in Him and develop a greater intimate connection to Him.

There is no doubt that God builds our relationship Him through “wilderness experiences.”

However, if I refuse to risk trusting Him, I can easily become the man full of fear or cynicism. Our Lord is very serious about our [not] taking risks in the place of our loving and personal relationship with Him.

So, I close with “Blessed are the risk takers" for they honor God, feel safe in His love, and without them our world would be lacking much in adventure, heroes, and inspiration.

God requires we become risk takers! Join me!

Further reading:

“LIONS WERE BORN TO ROAR – A Man’s Guide to Tackling Life & Relationships” by Philip K. Hardin, M.A., M.Div.

“Seven Women: And the Secret of Their Greatness”

“Seven Men: And the Secret of Their Greatness”

“Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy”

Phil Hardin works as a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with Hardin Life Resources practicing in both Jackson, MS and Fairhope, AL.

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