Fear; this emotion is so powerful it can make the most honest person lie, the most calm person strike out. It can be debilitating, keeping us locked up like a prisoner. Fear grabs a hold and refuses to let go, utilizing other powerful emotions like worry, doubt, and dread, leaving us feeling oppressed. People often times us fear to manipulate others into doing their bidding in some evil or vial act, knowing how the other person will end up feeling in the aftermath. As an educator I am sworn to report such actions as child abuse, and take this very seriously. Fear strikes at the hearts and minds of our children and forces them to see evil, making them grow up quicker forever destroying their child-like incense. Fear is equally damaging to adults, and in most cases can render the most outspoken person silent. Fear is used to threaten what we love, and is the devils favorite tool to use, because of its potency. Tell a man his child or wife will be harmed if he does not stay quiet, or a women that her husband will be killed, or a child that your parents will hate you forever, and see how quickly we all are to shut up.
This week I wanted to explore an emotion that we all have felt, some more so than others, for various reasons, an emotion which has the power to make your steps stumble, and loose the focus on your personal walk with God. Fear is such a common emotion we sometimes don’t really give it to much attention. We do not analyze things which scare us, rather we allow it to take affect and we just respond. Some people have even attained some level of tolerance to fear, and instead of it activating the “fight or flight” mechanism they have become dare-devils, and adrenaline junkies. However, or whatever your specific case, fear can be lethal and it can become the major controlling force in your decision making process if it is not recognized and swiftly dealt with.
This then leaves the question how to see fear for the damming tool of Satan that it is? By no means is this a guide or a professionals opinion, but this is simply how I control fear in my own life. I first ask why am I so fearful of whatever I am afraid of that is affecting me that moment. I remember that God has control of ever aspect of my life. This in turn gives me great peace.
“But He said unto them, “40Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith? (Mark 4:40, NKJV)
Jesus just moments before had been sleeping in a fishing vessel with his disciples out on the great Sea of Galilee when a storm came from nowhere and about sank the boat. In fear they woke him.
“32Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom” (Luke 12:32, NKJV).
In this Jesus was teaching his disciples not to ever worry about such things as what to eat or drink, and to not be worried about their own lives as our Father in heaven shall surely take care of us. In both of these examples fear is being defeated by the very words of Christ. In these words Jesus is assuring us that God’s kingdom is where we shall forever dwell. In that fact Jesus defeats fear, worry, doubt, and even dread.
“25Do not be afraid of sudden terror, Nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes; For the Lord will be your confidence, 26And will keep your foot from being caught” (Proverbs 3:25-26, NKJV).
With faith in God we are promised to have his guidance, his confidence. When fear grips my heart, I remember how much God loves me, and how He will take me by the hand and walk with me. In my greatest moments of darkness and fear I have always looked to God for comfort, and have never been left hanging. God has always been there, has always been the constant guiding force in my life. No matter the struggle, the fight, the task, or the obstacle, God has always been there to help me, to calm my fears and to squelch my panic.
“5Let your conduct be without covetousness: be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” 6So we may boldly say:
By believing all things are possible in Jesus Christ, we gain the power to over come our fears, and hesitations, we are then able to step outside that zone which cripples us. Remembering that God has defeated fear for us, and has faced death for us. In the end God is with us, guiding us, and helping us.
“But whosoever listens to me will dwell safely, and will be secure, without fear of evil” (Proverbs 1:33, NKJV).
“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; Not as the world gives I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27, NKJV).
Amen
May peace be with you all the days of your life. If you have been moved by this blog I invite you to become a follower, and learn to Listen Faithfully to our Lord Jesus Christ.