Is Fear in Your Future?
We all have fears. When we are little there was the fear of falling as we attempted our first steps. The first day of school, our first job, monetary concerns, raising our children, medical issues and surgeries, old age – the list is infinite. Our lives can quickly become a constant state of anxiety and fear.
Navigating through life filled with fear takes a toll on us physically, mentally, and spiritually. So how do we combat fear and replace it with peace throughout the mayhem of this life? It’s not easy.
First we must realize that God does not want us to live in fear. He wants us to live by Faith. In fact, fear does not come from God. Rather it is Satan who wants us to live in fear. Satan has used fear in my life in so many circumstances to alter my attitude, question my faith, and react in ways that were not what God called me to do.
It was during those times that I didn’t trust God to handle my problems because I was too busy telling God “I can do this, really, Lord.” Only to realize that while I was trying to do “this” there was no peace. My faith was not strong so fear (Satan) had a strong hold on me.
So what is faith? Faith is the confidence in what we hope for and the assurance of what we do not see (Hebrews 11:1). Jeremiah 29:11 tells us that the Lord has plans for us, to prosper us and not harm us, to give us a future. With faith replacing fear we have a peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). In other words Faith is not believing that God can, it’s knowing He will.
How do we turn our fear into faith? My mother used to tell me “This too shall pass”. And while I didn’t appreciate that little phase during my troubled times, I realize that God tells us similarly “Weeping may come for the night, but joy comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5). Looking back over my life I realized there seasons of mudslides, hurricanes, and torrential storms but eventually they gave way to sunshine, cool breezes and blossoming trees and flowers.
During those days, weeks, months and seasons I often felt like “God, I can’t do this, you have me confused with someone with bigger shoulders – its just too difficult.” Have you said those words too? But what if we replaced those words with “I can do all things, through Christ who strengthens me”. Remembering that God is with us, promises to protect us, guide us, grow us and love us.
When fear grips your thoughts, raises your heart rate, and immobilizes you; go find a quiet place (even if it’s the bathroom) and begin praying to God. Worship Him. Yes, in the bathroom if necessary. If we seek Him, call to Him, focus on Him instead of our fears, our heart rate will slow, our thoughts will calm and we will see God for who He is, what he has done in you life and will continue to do.
Practice you faith daily. Share it with others of your faith. Where two or more are gathered God is there and there is strength in numbers (Matthew 18:20). Joyce Meyers tells us if “you don’t use it, you lose it.” This is so true. Make a conscious decision to trust God through out your day. Here are some verses to commit to memory and use throughout the day.
Psalm 37:3 Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things, through Christ who strengthens me.
Isaiah 30:18 Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed all who wait for him!
Psalm 34:4-6 I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles.
Romans 8:38-39 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
What are you afraid of today? Is Satan stealing your peace? Don’t let him have the satisfaction. Don’t let fear replace your faith. Rather fight fear with faith. A faith that will move you forward, assured of God’s love for you, knowing he stands beside you and leading you into seasons of peace.
Thank you for reading my post. If you have found it encouraging please consider liking, commenting or sharing it. Feel free to even re-blog – may these words take flight!
I have additional insights I’d love to share with you found in the pages of my debut book: Surviving Medical Mayhem – Laughing When It Hurts. To order a copy or learn more go to my website at www.lorettaschoen.com
Blessings for Health & Wellness.