If you were asked to make a list of things you were fearful of, how long would it take you to make a sizeable list? Would it be fair to say that Pre-Covid your list may have been much shorter than it would be today? We are constantly bombarded with more and more things that cause worry and fear. Most of us have spent the last 2 years worried about getting Covid, and how we and our loved ones would fare if they, or we, got the virus. I know I have been really worried for my loved ones! What kinds of things are you fearful of? Are you fearful of where the world is headed? Are you worried when you see other countries have lost their freedoms, and our country seems to be headed in that same direction? Are you fearful for your children, and what kind of world they are going to grow up in? Is it fear of losing your job, or perhaps losing your home? Maybe it's ALL OF THE ABOVE! We certainly live in perilous times! As if worrying about any of the things I just mentioned weren't enough to weight down our hearts, we now see the nations positioning themselves in a threatening way that's prompting talk on the news of a possible Third World War!
For those that are paying attention to what is happening in the world, fear of what the future holds is very real. There are definitely different kinds of fear. One fear is a natural instinctive response to danger. Then there is fear over things we cannot control. And there is healthy, reverential fear of displeasing God, and a desire to serve Him acceptably with reverence and awe. But what kind of fear gives us anxiety and keeps us up at night worrying about things that are out of our control? That kind of fear is incredibly destructive. Not only does it weaken our immune system, it can lead to many diseases, and even lead to premature death. In addition to physical damage, it can also cause psychological symptoms of being overwhelmed, upset, feeling out of control or even feeling a sense of impending death. Keeping fear under control, and in check, especially in the times were living in, takes real effort and an understanding of its source, and the damage fear is meant to do.
You may be wondering what I mean by that. Well, its important to understand where fear comes from. The Bible says, "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self control."-2 Timothy 1:7 So fear doesn't come from God. In fact, John said, "There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out all fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love."-1John 4:18 God's word tells us that "....God is love."-1 John 4:7-12, not that he just has love, or he just gives love, but that he is the very essence of love. Since God is love, fear cannot come from God, because fear and love are incompatible. When we are filled with Him, with his love, that love will cast out any fear we may have. Unhealthy fear comes from the devil. The Bible says, "...Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."-1 Peter 5:8 In the animal kingdom, when gazelles sense a lion, their immediate response is to freeze out of fear. Most will overcome their fear and flee, but often one will remain frozen as if paralyzed, and will be overcome and devoured by the lion. Our enemy, Satan, is like that lion, roaming around the earth, looking for someone to devour, and he uses fear as a tool to paralyze our faith.
Recently a pastor said something that really struck me about fear. "I say this a lot, that the spirit of fear is probably the most accepted demonic spirit and stand in the church, and in every Christian's life. We accept it, and we don't reject it, and we don't seek deliverance from it. From the pulpit to the ushers, people are struggling with fear and no one seems to fight it. But the Lord doesn't want his people to struggle in fear. He did not give us fear. It is the opposite of faith. So when we walk in fear, were not walking in faith, and we cannot please God if were walking in fear."
It's so true if you really think about it. What loving father would want their child to live in a constant state of fear, or be consumed with worry? Surely not a loving father, and certainly not our heavenly Father. He assures us of this in his word, over and over again. In fact, "Fear not" is used at least 80 times in the Bible. God wants us to turn to Him and to trust Him. The enemy, however, uses fear to limit our victories, and he uses it to decrease the hope that God gives. He knows that when were fearful or living in a state of fear, were not experiencing the peace that God gives. God says in Isaiah 26:3, "You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You." Satan the devil is liar and a thief, who comes in looking only to steal, kill and destroy. He wants to steal our peace and joy, destroy our relationship with God, and ultimately wants to kill us. He uses fear to manipulate our minds and to control our reality. Don't allow the enemy to set up fear as a resident inside of you!
Another pastor said this of fear, "When were in a state of fear, it can also cause us to stay in a stagnant state. Often when we find ourselves in circumstances beyond our control, fear will try to get in, to set up shop inside of us, and at the same time we may be struggling to keep the faith. Whatever we have fed the most is what we allow to have the victory in us. So if we feed on fear the most, fear will have the victory. If we feed on faith the most, faith will have the victory. What ever you feed the most is what will prevail. The more you pour into faith, the more faith will pour into you. The more you pour into fear, the more fear will pour into you."
So exactly how do we overcome and conquer our fear? Well the first step is to remember whose we are! Isaiah 43:1 is one of my favorite scriptures that reminds us of who we belong to. It says, "But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine." This scripture was written for the nation of Israel, but when Jesus came, he opened the way for all of mankind. Thus we too became heirs, as adapted children of God, also belonging to Him. "..he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.."-Ephesians 1:5 When we truly believe we are God's children, fear loses its hold on us.
The second thing we need to do is to pray. We can overcome our fear by praying. When we pray, we can ask God to fill us with his love. When he fills us with his love, and his presence, there is no room for fear, and fear will leave just as the scriptures say. Just as a child when afraid, is comforted by their father, when we turn to God, our heavenly Father, he will also comfort us. 2 Corinthians 1:3 says, "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our trouble, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ."
Another thing we can pray for, is for God to help us to really get to know Him. Ask Him to teach you how to trust in Him, and to know and understand the promises that he has given to you. When you draw close to God, and truly get to know Him, you will experience a peace, and a love, and a trust like you have never known. You will also experience his faithfulness and his unfailing love. "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you."-James 4:8 When you fully experience God's love, you will have nothing to fear, and nothing can separate you from God's love either. "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril or sword?....neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height or depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. "-Romans 8:35-39
The third thing we can do to overcome our fear is to study God's word the Bible. By meditating on his word it will give us strength and courage. God's word is not just another book. Not only is it inspired, but its actually alive and active. "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to the dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."-Hebrews 4:12, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God..."-2 Timothy 3:16,17
When we read God's word, we not only learn about Him, we also learn how much he loves us. We see account after account where God protected his children. We learn about those who had remarkable faith during extremely difficult and scary times. God had these events written down to encourage and to benefit us. Recently, I keep coming upon the account of Elisha and his servant....where during the night, the entire city was surrounded by an army with horses and chariots. The next morning the servant got up and went out and saw they had been surrounded. Fearful, he asked the Prophet Elisha what they should do. Elisha told Him, "Don't be afraid, those who are with us are more than those who are with them." Elisha prayed that God would open the servants eyes so that he could see, and so God opened the servants eyes. Then he could see the that the hills were full of horses and chariots of fire, all around Elisha for protection. You can read the account in 2 Kings 6.
We don't know exactly how and when things are going to occur. But one thing we can be assured of, is that God is watching over his children, even when we cannot physically see his invisible army, they are there. Luke says, "Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered...."-Luke 12:7 The angelic hosts have many different assignments and some of them are to watch over God's people. The account with Elisha and his servant shows this. There are other scriptures that show angelic protection too. Psalms 91:11 says, "For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;" Psalms 34:7 says, "The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them." (the healthy reverential fear) Matthew 18:10 says, "See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven." Hebrews 1:14 says, " Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those wo will inherit salvation?"
As the day of the Lord draws near, I pray that we all find encouragement and comfort in God and his holy word, the bible. We know that God is in complete control, even when things in the world seem completely out of control. Be confident in Him. Don't allow yourself to live in a constant state of fear and worry. Instead, strengthen your relationship with your heavenly Father. Go to Him in prayer, throw all of your anxiety and worry on Him. He tells us to do just that! "Cast your burden on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous one to be shaken."-Psalms 55:22 Remember, he is a God of love and comfort. He sees all of our trials, all of our struggles, our worries, and our greatest fears. He has this, he has US. Keep the faith, keep your eyes on Him, and stay close to Him in prayer. You are not alone. We are in this together, and we have our Father and his angelic hosts for protection. No matter what happens in this world, whether we face death or not, nothing can separate us from God's love and what he has in store for those who love Him. "But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him."-1 Corinthians 2:9
I thought I would share a few scriptures that always bring great comfort to me, I hope you too find comfort in them:
Psalm 34:4-"I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears."
Psalm 46:1-"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."
Psalm 91:4-70-"He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you."
Psalm 23:4-"Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."
Isaiah 41:10-"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Deuteronomy 31:8-"The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Deuteronomy 3:22-"Do not be afraid of them; the Lord your God himself will fight for you.”
Psalm 115:11-"You who fear Him, trust in the Lord— he is their help and shield."
Joshua 1:9-"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Isaiah 35:4-"say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come,
he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.”
Matthew 10:28-"Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell."
Matthew 10:31-"So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."
Psalm 118:6-"The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?"
Luke 12:32-“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom."
Philippians 4:6-7-"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Deuteronomy 31:6-"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
Isaiah 41:13-"For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you."
Hebrews 13:6-"So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?”
Deuteronomy 3:22-"Do not be afraid of them; the Lord your God himself will fight for you.”
Psalm 56:3-4-"When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?"
Luke 12:7-"Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."
Psalm 27:1-"The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?"
1 John 4:4-"Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world."
Blessings & Joy~
Lisa
