“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power and of love, and of a sound mind.” – 2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV)
How do I deal with my fears? Where do I go when my fears seem overwhelming?
Is it wrong for me to become fearful when my rent is due in a few days, and I have no money? What do I do when I receive a dire health diagnosis? Is it wrong for me to become fearful?
God has wired our brain to experience fear. It is a primary emotion. There is a reason and purpose for our fear as we respond to triggering stimuli. When God says, “Do not fear,” He is not commanding us to shut off a part of our brain. We are not emotionless robots. We are kingdom citizens bound to spend eternity with a loving God. Instead, God wants us to come to Him in faith. Fear can paralyse us. Yet when we fear in the presence of God, God helps us take the next step of faith, even in the midst of our fear.
Unfortunately, no one can escape fear in this broken and chaotic world. However, let us be reassured that God is more powerful, and He can overcome that fear. So when fear seems paralysing, let us remember that our faithful Father is ready and waiting to deliver us. 1st John 4:4 (NIV) reminds us that, “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the One Who is in you is greater than the one that is in the world.”
Our God has the power and desire to be with us in the midst of our fears. Acknowledging this will enable us to take the next step of faithfulness in our lives. How? Because God is with us and His presence is in us. Romans 8:11 (NIV) admonishes us: “And if the Spirit of Him Who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He Who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of His Spirit Who lives in you.”
Fear not, my brothers and sisters.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, when I become fearful and start to worry, please remind me that I need to cast my cares and fears onto You. For You are my Deliverer and my Righteousness. Help me to trust You completely. In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.
Read: Isaiah 41:10; 1 John 4:4-5
Bible Reading Guide: Proverbs 26:23-28; Proverbs 27:1-4; Hebrews 5:11-14; Hebrews 6:1-12; Ezekiel 4; Ezekiel 5; Ezekiel 6