Fear
Have you ever been fearful or terrified? Just deathly afraid? I've often felt surges of crippling, paralyzing fear. It isn't fun, but horrifying. It's the kind that seizes you and causes you to stop in your tracks. It's almost as if your heart stops. This fear could be anything: Fear of death, public speaking, ghosts, man, or failure. It could be the fear of displeasing someone, fear of losing your job, fear of abandonment, fear of being unloved, fear of getting lost, or fear of being punished. There is a wide host and range of things we are fear that causes us to freeze or question ourselves and/or our circumstances. Sometimes this fear even leads us to quit what we were doing, or go in a different direction.
This fear is unhealthy and there are many verses in the Bible that tells us not to fear or be afraid; it tells us instead that perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love (1 John 4:18). So what exactly does this verse mean? Well, I understand it to mean that we have not experienced or do not remember God's perfect love for us. Only God's love is perfect. 1 John 4:8 tells us that God is love and Psalm 18:30 tells us that His way is perfect. What is preventing you from experiencing God's love? Doubt? Little faith? Shame? Hurt? Pain? Sorrow? Bitterness? Whatever it is, ask God to remove it so you can experience his perfect love. His love is not like human love; it is far exceeds that. He wants to show you his abounding love for you and I believe that He will if you would ask Him.
Also, Romans 8:31 says If God is for us who can be against us? What are we afraid of that is bigger than God? Even death cannnot keep us from the love of God (Romans 8:38). I love Romans 8 and I invite you to read the chapter by yourself. Jesus has already conquered death; he did that when he rose from the dead and when we die, we will be with him if we have salvation. Scripture also tells us that God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control]. (2 Timothy 1:7). What then should we be afraid of? I'm not saying that what you're afraid of isn't important or valid, or that your feelings don't matter. I am simply asking you to focus on God instead of your fear/problem. Pray instead of worry. When the fear comes, declare God's Word over your circumstances. God's Word is your weapon, sharper than any double-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12). What have you truly benefited from by being fearful? Change your approach. Pray and declare God's Word over your life; we can conquer fear by using God's Word. If you have not yet started, begin today! Don't let fear prevent you from becoming all that God has purposed, destined, and called you to be!
Let's Pray.
Heavenly Father,
All Glory, Praise and Dominion is Yours! You are all powerful, who can withstand you? You have no equal. You are on your throne, and no one can take that from you. You hold all time, wisdom, and power! Lord, I want thank you for all the things you have done for us. I also thank you for all the special people taking their time to read this post. I ask that you would help them with their fears. Work in them according to Your Will. Whether you take away their fear, give them courage to confront the fear, or need them to speak Your Word to banish the fear, help them. I pray that you would help them to lay aside their fears and to trust you. Give them courage and remove all doubt in Jesus' Name. Remove anything that is preventing them from trusting in you or preventing them from experiencing your love. Lord, we bind the spirit of fear and cast it back to where it came from for You have given us a spirit of love, power, and a sound mind! Help us to walk in faith and to remind us of your command that says, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9). What are we afraid of that is bigger or stronger than You God? There is absolutely nothing so we put our hope, faith and trust in You. You are our Protector, our Refuge, and Hiding place (Psalm 32:7). Thank you Father.
In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Prayerfully,
Pam
