I can't even begin to tell you how many people I have talked to in the last month that are full of fear.
So many reasons to have legitimate fear, true? Christians and non-christians alike are struggling to manage their fear. Some paralyzed by fear. But should this be the case? Should we be handling our fear the same as unbelievers? God's Word says we are to FEAR NOT…but how, when life has so many reasons to fear?
If you've read my blogs over the past couple of years, you know that learning to overcome fear has been one of the greatest discoveries for me. Here are a few of the truths I've found.
If I am walking in FEAR….
- I CANNOT be walking by faith. They do not walk together. They are polar opposites.
- I am believing that whatever is causing the fear is BIGGER than my God.
- I am believing a lie—or several—and I am being deceived.
- I rarely walk in peace and joy. My circumstances dictate my state of mind.
- I am not walking as a BELIEVER! (the most startling discovery for me!)
- There are so many more, but those are a few to get you thinking…how about you?
Do fearful, anxious thoughts occupy your mind a majority of the time? If so, I hope to give you some steps to turn your FEAR into FAITH! We will be looking at the Word of God in order to see what God says about fear and faith. What we believe about both should be based on His Word.
For today, I will give you a message I gave a friend that includes thoughts, scriptures, and a prayer against fear. I hope you will use it, too, if you are needing it today.
There is only fear that is permissable to God, actually even beneficial. That is the fear of the Lord. Pray this aloud…
"Lord, your Word says that Your eyes are on those who fear You, on those whose hope is in your unfailing love, to deliver them. I wait in hope for You, Lord; You are my help and my shield. In You my heart rejoices, for I trust You. Lord, help me not to fear, for You are with me; I need not be dismayed, for you are my God. You will strengthen and help me; You will uphold me with your righteous right hand. Answer me when I call You, Lord, my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer.
Lord Jesus, I am so familiar with the voice of fear that I do not even recognize it as the enemy. I will listen to and even agree with him. Lord, give me discernment to recognize the voice of the enemy…the spirit of fear…so that I may use the weapons of my warfare you have provided…Your Word. Your Word says that You, O God, have not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind. I ask that you help me believe that as I speak Your Word, mixed with my faith…BELIEVING…that You will do what Your Word says. By Your Word, You spoke the worlds into existence. You have given us your Spirit to dwell in us and Your Word to stand upon as truth. In Your Word it says that You are watching over Your Word to perform it. So as we speak Your Word, believing it over what we see, feel, think, we overcome! I thank you that You keep in perfect and constant peace, Lord, those whose mind is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You."
Learning to walk by faith,
Cheri
