7 Signs You’re Living in a Fear Bubble
And How to Break Free of Avoidance!
Let’s be honest. Avoidance feels safe. It’s cozy, quiet, and comfortable. We sidestep awkward conversations, skip stressful events, and postpone responsibilities that make our hearts race. At first, it works—you breathe easier, life feels under control.
But here’s the hard truth: your bubble is shrinking your life. It’s a soft prison. Avoidance doesn’t just hide fear—it gives fear more power. The longer you stay inside, the less life you actually live.
Meet Aleena
Aleena is a classic avoider. Crowded grocery stores? Forget it—she drives at 6 a.m. Church events? Rarely—she dreads talking to people she barely knows. Even a phone call about work can spike her heart rate.
She thinks she’s “keeping herself safe.” But underneath? She’s missing out on life. Social gatherings feel impossible. Simple errands feel like missions. Aleena is teetering on the edge of agoraphobia, thinking her bubble protects her—but really, it’s quietly stealing her joy.
Sound familiar? You might not be as extreme as Aleena—but avoidance lies to you: “You’re safer if you stay back.”
7 Signs of Fear-Bubble Avoidance
1. You stay silent when your voice matters.
Fear whispers, “Speak up? Too risky.” But staying quiet isolates you and robs others of your insight.
2. You decline invitations out of “what if” worries.
Church events, social gatherings, or simple coffee dates—if fear dictates, life shrinks.
3. You postpone decisions endlessly.
Small choices pile up into anxiety mountains, keeping you stuck in indecision.
4. You retreat from responsibilities that stretch you.
Opportunities to serve or lead? Too intimidating. The bubble tells you, “Wait until it feels safe.”
5. You let fear dictate your routines.
Crowds, errands, travel, even speaking on the phone—fear has a quiet rulebook for your life.
6. You feel stuck, even in safe spaces.
You may be physically “safe,” but emotionally and spiritually, fear is running the show.
7. You notice life passing by.
You see friends living fully, participating, enjoying relationships, serving, and growing—while you linger in the background, protected but missing out.
Biblical Examples of Avoidance
Avoidance isn’t new. God’s people wrestled with it too:
Moses said, “I can’t speak well” (Exodus 4:10).
Jonah ran the opposite direction of God’s command (Jonah 1:3).
Peter denied Jesus when fear pressed him (Luke 22:57–60).
Avoidance is human—but God calls us forward—not because we’re fearless, but because He walks with us.
Why the Bubble Feels Safe—But Isn’t
Hiding feels protective. But the bubble isolates you. It keeps you from loving fully, stepping into your calling, and trusting God in hard moments.
Aleena thought her careful routines kept her safe. Instead, they quietly trapped her—cutting off relationships, opportunities, and ordinary experiences of God’s presence.
Here’s the punch: safety is an illusion when fear runs the show.
Walking in God’s Love
The solution isn’t pretending you’re brave. It’s leaning into God’s love:
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear…” (1 John 4:18)
God’s love doesn’t remove fear automatically. But it carries you through it. It frees you to speak, serve, and obey—not because you’re fearless, but because His presence holds you up.
How to Escape the Avoidance Bubble
Pray Honestly – Name what you are avoiding and ask God for help to set out in courage.
Aleena prayed, “God, I’m scared to attend the women’s Bible study. Please meet me there and calm my heart.”
Break Tasks into Small Steps – Start tiny, then build momentum.
She drives to the church parking lot, then steps inside for five minutes, gradually staying longer.
Accountability – Share your struggles with someone you trust.
Aleena tells a friend, “I want to try attending, but I’m anxious—can you check in afterward?”
Use Scripture for Reminders – Joshua 1:9; Romans 8:38–39. Let them echo in your heart.
Set Time Limits – A 10-minute start beats waiting for courage to magically appear. Momentum kills fear.
Practice Self-Compassion – Stop being so hard on yourself. Avoidance is common. God’s love meets you even when progress is slow.
Reflect on Past Courage – Remember times you faced discomfort and saw God’s faithfulness. That memory fuels confidence.
A Challenge for You
This week, do something that feels a little uncomfortable. It doesn’t have to be huge—just enough to stretch your comfort zone:
Start a conversation with a coworker or neighbor.
Drive a different route to your usual destination.
Try brushing your teeth with your non-dominant hand (as silly as it sounds!).
Say “yes” to a small opportunity you’d normally avoid.
These small acts of courage, repeated daily, weaken fear’s grip and strengthen confidence. God’s love goes with you, and each tiny step is a victory.
Click this link at LucyAnnMoll.com to schedule your free consultation and begin your journey out of fear.