Faith over Fear
If you are struggling with fear or anxiety, I wanted to share a few ways to help you break free.
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2
A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12
1. Pay attention to your thoughts.
When your thoughts go to worse case scenarios, redirect your thinking to God. Focus on Him.
He is love.
He is good.
He is perfect.
TRUTH: You can choose your thoughts. Your thoughts do not have power over you.
2. God is Sovereign.
That means nothing is outside of His control.
His will is perfect.
But this perfection is beyond our understanding, therefore we need to let go of needing to know the "why" and put our trust in Him.
Jesus Calms the Storm
That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”
That means nothing is outside of His control.
His will is perfect.
But this perfection is beyond our understanding, therefore we need to let go of needing to know the "why" and put our trust in Him.
Jesus Calms the Storm
That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”
Mark 4:35-41
Even the wind and waves obey Him! There is so much comfort in this!
A great prayer when you are scared is: "Peace. Be still."
The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:15-17
3. Our security and hope are found in Jesus alone.
When we find our security in anything other than God, it is smoke and mirrors. It's not real. We may think our 401K will protect us. We may feel more secure with a savings account... BUT don't let the things of this world deceive you. Jesus is the only one who is holding everything together. And this is GOOD NEWS! Because He has very capable hands!
The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:15-17
4. Fear and anxiety render you ineffective.
That is the enemy's goal. It's real hard to pray bold prayers, to hold your peace, and to act with love and kindness when fear is consuming your thoughts. The enemy comes only to steal and kill and destroy. Don't let Him. He has no power over you. Remember, Jesus came to give you a full and abundant life! Choose joy. Choose kindness. Choose faith. Fear is a stupid liar.
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10
5. Be with your people!
None of this can be accomplished alone. It takes a village to stand in faith. Pray for one another. Encourage each other. Be honest and vulnerable. Don't pretend to be fine if you're not. Do not isolate yourself.
A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12
Action Steps:
Choose your thoughts carefully.
Spend more time in the Bible and less time watching the news.
Spend more time in prayer and less time on social media.
Choose love and kindness.
Hang out with your friends and family!
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