I’m not sure if Social Media Anxiety is an official “thing”. But I’m pretty sure I have it.

And I don’t know exactly why.

Intellectually, I see the value of social media. It helps me stay connected with friends and family. It’s a great tool for sharing my passion for the deliberate life. And it’s a far-reaching platform to encourage others and share the love of Jesus.

But emotionally, it’s a different story. Often times, when I log on to Facebook or Instagram or LinkedIn, there’s something in my being that starts to feel overwhelmed.

Maybe it’s the self-imposed pressure to perform.

Maybe it’s the comparison trap.

Maybe it’s feeling lost in a sea of similar social media content.

Maybe it’s concern that no one will “Like” my post or respond to my comment.

Maybe it’s a lack of knowledge on how all this stuff works.

Or maybe it’s a combination of all the above.

Whatever “it” is, it’s a constant struggle for me. The crazy thing is I'm not having a life crisis—it’s just social media. So why do I feel so overwhelmed?

When I look at all those “maybes”, I think the core answer to that question is fear--a fear that squelches my progress and eventually stops me in my tracks...even when I know in my heart it's the right path forward.

Friends, when it comes to living more deliberately, we can’t allow fear to shrink us back from what we are called to do.

Fear turns intention into inaction.

It's one thing to be still and wait on God,

it's another thing to be still just because we fear the outcome of moving forward.

But that's when we have to root down in the Truth: We do not have to fear the outcome! God has our back and he has our future!! Even if we don't feel his presence, and even when we still feel afraid, we can move forward confidently when we choose to trade our fear for faith. Nothing...no thing...is impossible with God!

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

2 Timothy 1:7 (New King James Version)

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PS: Come join me in trading fear for faith! I’m once again taking small steps on social media and I'd love for you to check out the latest “Tribe Talk” video on our Facebook page. It’s about 90 seconds long and I hope it encourages you—not only to keep the faith, but to be willing to step out of your comfort zone and “do it afraid”—whatever your “it” is. :)