We fear the what-ifs…What if this happens, what will I do? And at the
same time, we fear the opposite…What if that doesn’t happen, then what?
Most of what we worry about doesn’t happen, but we’ve put ourselves
through the fear of it anyway. And when something does happen? Worrying about
it hasn’t prevented it, it’s only made us live through it twice.
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7 NLT)
God never planned for us to live in fear. He knows each of us better
than we know ourselves. He knows what each of our lives will entail. He knows what we need and when we need it.
And God will deliver! In His perfect time, He will supply us with what we need
in any given situation.
Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes. (Matthew 6:34 The Message)
The only one who wins when we live our lives in fear is the enemy.
Satan wants us to live this way. He works to turn us away from God.
But the enemy has already been defeated—when Jesus went to the cross
and rose from the grave! We can cling to this and remember that God will never
leave us. He stands with us and guards us from the enemy’s attacks. Our Lord
wants us to come closer to Him and live our lives in faith.
So, what do we do when fear starts to wrap its slimy tentacles around
us? Pray. Turn to God and His promises for us. Ask God to clear our minds of
the doubt and the lies the enemy wants us to believe. Ask God to replace the
negative thoughts with His peace and what we know to be true in His Word.
Thanks for visiting today!
We’re in Chapter 2 “ The Fear Factor” of An Untroubled Heart by Micca Campbell. I’m also linking up with Women Living Well
Wednesdays, Word Filled Wednesday, Grace Cafe, and Thought Provoking Thursday.
In Christ,
Laura
Laura
I have often battled with fear in my life. It's good to know others have faced the same battle and overcome through God's power. Thanks for sharing this encouraging post! Blessings!
ReplyDeleteRenee, thank you for your comment! Sometimes it takes making a conscious effort to turn to God and not let fear take hold. What a wonderful God that He's always there waiting for us!
ReplyDeleteIn Christ,
Laura
Laura - I've had my share of fear and certainly, the "What ifs." I love The Message interpretation of Matthew 6:34.
ReplyDeleteWhen Satan can get us to focus on the "what ifs" we aren't effective witnesses for Christ and Satan would like nothing better. But, praise God, Satan has been defeated. I have heard it said, but don't know for sure, that there are some 365 references in the Bible that tells us to fear. A scripture for every day!
Blessings,
Joan
Amen, amen.
ReplyDeleteI am learning to face my fears, with the help of the Lord. When I allow myself to become burdened with unnecessary fear, it cripples me.
ReplyDeleteLaura, I linked up with Barbie today and that's how I found you! I loved your post. I have a problem with fear sometimes...and I do all of the "what ifs"...just like you said. But when I pray and turn things over to God it is so much better, and He brings me peace. This happened on Friday and I had quiet time with Him and wrote a poem called: He is My Peace! Come for a visit at my place if you can. I am going to become a follower, and I will be back to find encouragement from your blog. Thanks! Linda
ReplyDeleteLinda, thanks so much for visiting! I loved your poem!
ReplyDeleteHi Laura!
ReplyDeletePopping over from Freshly Brewed Sundays. So many of us struggle with fear and I'm so thankful that Jesus is with us and helps us overcome.
Blessings,
Cyndi
Wonderful post, Laura!
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking about fear lately so it couldn't have been more fitting. and lately I've simply been calling it a distraction. a distraction from my goal -- of seeking/running/leaning on Him. For the only way to feel fear is to look away from Him.....
I ramble.
thank you for your thoughtful post!
~nikki