79. What to Do When You’re Afraid

What do you do when you're afraid? In this reflection on Psalm 62, John Ortberg shares a memorable Dallas Willard story about a terrified cat clinging to a tree, and asks a surprisingly revealing question: What's your branch? When we're afraid, we clutch. We grasp for control over relationships, money, health, reputation, work, or whatever makes us feel secure. But Psalm 62 offers another way. Let go. Lean on God. And stand firm. John explains how these two seemingly contradictory postures belong together: “I'm standing on the outside and leaning on the inside.” You don't have to hold everything together today. Open your hands. Lean on the everlasting arms. Then stand firm and do the next right thing. In this episode: Psalm 62 • fear • control • Dallas Willard • letting go • trusting God #Psalm62 #JohnOrtberg #Fear #TrustGod #SpiritualFormation #Psalms 🙌 New episodes every weekday. 📲 Subscribe, like, and share to help others grow spiritually. One day at a time. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT us at 51504 EMAIL US at connect@becomenew.com GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text NEW to 51504 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team DOWNLOAD FREE STUDY GUIDES: BecomeNew.com/study-guides 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Vikersund by RØRE - MB01V0UASAACPKE Alta by RØRE - MB01IWZVJASGKHF 00:00 This Is for Anyone Who's Ever Been Afraid 00:34 Two Ways to Deal With Fear 00:49 Psalm 62: A Leaning Wall 01:29 Where Do You Feel Unsteady? 01:54 What Fear Really Is 02:20 Dallas Willard's Cat 02:34 He Needed a Crowbar 😂 02:45 What's Your Branch? 03:01 What Are You Trusting In? 03:40 We Cling When We're Afraid 03:59 What Won't You Let Go Of? 04:20 You Can Let Go 04:45 Leaning on the Everlasting Arms 05:10 Stop Clutching. Start Leaning. 05:36 You Don't Face Life Alone 06:06 The Second Posture: Stand Firm 06:28 Leaning vs. Standing 06:53 Stand Outside, Lean Inside 07:20 How Leaning Helps You Stand 07:46 Little Cat, Let Go 08:00 Open Your Hands 08:14 A Lawyer's Unusual Advice 08:33 Lean on God. Stand Firm.