You will never be able to experience the abundant life that God wants you to have if you are always living in a state of fear.
Within the short time of this present year, I have had nothing but fear. While I know that God does not cause fear, I have been taught many things through it. I have had health scares, family issues, and an important person leave my life. Personally, I think it might rate as one of the worst years of my life.
On the inside, I feel as though I could have a panic attack or break down crying at any time, yet on the outside, I have been trying to stay strong. If you are reading this article, you are probably going through something similar, or you have been experiencing significant fear that impairs your daily life. As someone who struggles with anxiety, I can attest that sometimes fear goes beyond anxiety, and it is not easily cured by taking a break or deep breathing.
While these things can help, they cannot substitute the amazing peace and safety that come from Jesus. Jesus is our great Savior and Redeemer. In Christ, we can have true peace. In fact, Paul describes it as the peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). When we turn to Jesus, we will truly be able to face any situation without fear. Through Him, we can have faith and hope that all things will work out in accordance with His will, even bad things.
Allow this truth to support you in your time of fear. Fear is a strong emotion and can impair your life. As you can imagine, this is not the life Jesus died for you to have. The Lord died in order for you to have abundant life and life to the fullest (John 10:10). You will never be able to experience the abundant life that God wants you to have if you are always living in a state of fear.
Life is meant to be lived to the fullest. There is no reason to allow fear to continue to dictate your life. Jesus is always walking beside you, directing you, and giving you strength. Fear will cause us many problems, but choosing to trust Jesus with our fears will help us in many ways. If you need help with fear today, know that you are in the right place.
The Spirit of a Sound Mind
The Apostle Paul tells us this truth, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7, NKJV). As we are told in this passage of Scripture, God has not given us a spirit of fear. Instead, God has given us a spirit of power, love, and sound mind. This is a beautiful truth that you can reflect on when you are feeling fearful.
The Lord has given us a spirit of power, love, and sound mind. Within this definition, there is no room for fear. As you reflect on this truth, allow it to change your heart. Talk with the Lord in prayer about your fear and allow the Spirit to strengthen you. This doesn't mean that you won't be afraid at times, but it does mean that you can trust God and that He will be with you through everything.
We often feel alone in our struggles and fears. Even though we feel this way, we need to know that it is not true. We are never alone because Jesus is always with us. He is our Good Shepherd who is there for us and will never leave us (Psalm 23). Never doubt this truth.
God isn't afraid of anything. This is important to note when you are reflecting on fear. Whatever you are afraid of, know that God is not afraid. Since God works everything out for our good and there is no shadow in Him, we can trust Him. Don't be afraid to go to God and trust Him with your feelings.
Trusting Jesus with Your Life
This leads us to the important truth that it is vital to trust Jesus with your fears (Psalm 56:3). While it is true that your fears are probably massive and very stressful, know that God is bigger than these fears. Think about Him and reflect on His goodness. Do not give way to the fear and don't let it ruin your day. Fear has a way of creeping into our bones and suffocating us from the inside out.
Instead of allowing fear to take control, trust Jesus with the fear. Give it all over to Him and know that He can handle whatever is causing you to be afraid. Whether that is a health concern, a relationship problem, or a financial fear, know that He can handle it. The Lord loves you more than you could ever know. He is with you and He will help you through this difficult time.
No fear is pleasant. It is painful, scary, and can cause full panic attacks. Know that even though you are afraid now, it will not last forever. Even if fears continue throughout your life, you can have peace to know that these fears won't last for all eternity. When Christ renews the world, fear will end and never return.
This will happen when the Lord establishes the New Heaven and the New Earth. We can look forward to this day with a heart of hope and peace. Even if we may fear now, our earthly lives are short compared to eternity. Since you have placed faith in Jesus, rest in the peace that one day all fear, pain, and anxiety will be eradicated (Revelation 21:4).
Giving the Lord Your Fear
All of the fears that you are facing today, give them over to the Lord. Trust Him with each fear and know that He will take care of them. Whenever a fear comes into your mind, turn to Jesus and pray, “Dear Lord, please take away this fear. Please help me to be brave. I know you have not given me a spirit of fear, but a Spirit of power, love, and sound mind. Please help me, Lord. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”
The Lord will answer your prayer in His timing. He does not want you to continue in a state of fear. He wants you to have trust, hope, and faith in Him. Throughout your life, you can always return to this truth. Throughout the Bible, God is constantly telling us to not fear (Isaiah 41:10; Joshua 1:9).
Rest in the peace that He will carry your fears and give you deliverance. It might not feel this way right now, but it will happen in time. Every fear that you have, give it over to Jesus. Don't allow fear to control your life anymore. Life is too short to be spent in fear—Jesus wants you to live your life in joy, love, and freedom.
Living a life of anxiety and pain will wear you down and make your quality of life poor. With all of your fears and worries, don't be afraid to hand them over to Jesus. Nothing is too big for Him and He can help you. Trust Him with your fear today and know that He will be your source of hope, encouragement, and peace. When you do this, fear will stop controlling your life.
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