Overcoming Fear

Overcoming Fear

1 John 4: God is love, and those who live in love live in union with God and God lives in union with them. ¹⁷ Love is made perfect in us in order that we may have courage on the Judgment Day; and we will have it because our life in this world is the same as Christ's. ¹⁸ There is no fear in love; perfect love drives out all fear. So then, love has not been made perfect in anyone who is afraid, because fear has to do with punishment.

 

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Going out to play, I did not notice the door was broken, causing it to slam. “Stop slamming the door please” was the statement given to me that was easy to do. But when I was older and wanted to “sneak” back into the house after being out all night, I carefully placed the key in the door and gently opened it so it would not make any noise. I was met with “Who do you think you are?’

 

• I did not notice the door when I was doing something that was harmless.
• I did not even think about the door when I was enjoying myself the way I was expected to.
• I feared getting caught doing something I was not supposed to be doing, so I feared making noise with the door.

 

John attempted to address the fear of consequence. He started off by explaining that GOD is love. This is an important statement, because many may have focused on GOD dishing out wrath. He explained that by living a life that contains love, courage can increase and fear decrease.

 

My Observations:

• Satan wants me to live in fear, so he uses temptations that go directly against GOD to keep me wounded.
• GOD gave me HIS SON as a remedy to my sin, and by believing that I need salvation from GOD’s wrath, I can be saved from it.
• I no longer have to worry about GOD’s wrath, especially when I follow the leading of the HOLY SPIRIT.

 

Motivated by love reduces my fear. I mean, when I am motivated by something that GOD will object to, I get filled with fear. I try to handle things on my own or side with people who are fumbling through life, just like me. When things still don’t appear to be going well, my fear increases. BUT GOD has a remedy to this fear.

 

Focusing on what the HOLY SPIRIT wants me to do and say, makes me change my words and even change my motive. I may not want to do something, but I will do it, if it pleases GOD. I also may want to do something that GOD does not want me to do. So by listening to the HOLY SPIRIT, I may sigh, and leave whatever that thing is alone. I am glad GOD cares about my fears and replaces them with HIS love.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer explain that “GOD is love?”
• Have you ever thought that GOD is out to get you because of a known or unknown sin?
• Will you find the root of your fears and see if you are missing a solid relationship with GOD?
• Will you also consider overcoming any fear you may have by placing GOD’s love into your solution today?

Triumphant

 

Triumphant

James 2:  ¹⁰ Whoever breaks one commandment is guilty of breaking them all. ¹¹ For the same one who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not commit murder.” Even if you do not commit adultery, you have become a lawbreaker if you commit murder. ¹² Speak and act as people who will be judged by the law that sets us free. ¹³ For God will not show mercy when he judges the person who has not been merciful; but mercy triumphs over judgment.

 

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Hearing what someone else did made me feel pretty good about myself. “I don’t drink and I don’t do drugs and I don’t kill people” were my measures of success. But on my way to work I cut people off in traffic, was short with people at work and joined in on the jokes about body parts.

 

• I tried to justify my sin by comparing what I did to other people.
• I came up with my own conclusion that I was “better” than most people, so I deserved better treatment from GOD.
• I also factored in that I had stopped doing certain sins so GOD should treat me better than those who are still stuck in the stuff “I” used to do.

 

James addressed the sin of comparison. He mentions adultery and murder as two extreme sins to compare. People may have justified adultery, comparing it to murder, thinking it wasn’t as bad as murder. He then gives the right heart each person should have, namely be merciful.

 

My Observations:

• My insecurities make me compare myself to other people so I can feel good about myself.
• Overlooking my own guilt makes me judge other people.
• GOD sets me free from sin through JESUS and wants me to be merciful versus judgmental.

 

Breaking a single Law makes me guilty of breaking the whole Law of GOD. While this seems extremely harsh, it shows me GOD’s standard which is without sin and full of pure love. HE saw that I would struggle with sin because I was born with a tendency to sin. I could never be “good” enough to meet HIS standard of being sinless, so JESUS made a way to remove my guilt.

 

HE not only save me, but wants others saved as well. HE knows the sins of “that” person and forgives him or her, just like HE forgave me. HE wants me to look at my own sins and to not use comparison to justify being judgey. I am glad JESUS makes me triumphant when I show mercy, even in its tiniest degree.

 

Challenge

• What does the writer say about being guilty?
• Have you ever tried to compare your sin to other people?
• Have you ever talked bad about other people?
• Will you seek mercy by asking GOD to clean your heart so you can be more and more merciful towards all people today?

Barriers Removed

Barriers Removed

Hebrews 11: ²⁹ It was faith that made the Israelites able to cross the Red Sea as if on dry land; when the Egyptians tried to do it, the water swallowed them up.

 

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“But I don’t know anything about the business side” was my nervous response when offered a position I was unfamiliar. My entire career had been spent in technology and I was now being asked to move into operating the business from a nontechnical view. “Don’t worry about it” was the response. They cleared all barriers to getting the position.

 

• I felt I did not have the skills to do the position.
• I wondered why I was chosen for the position.
• I nervously stepped into the position and made it safely through.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, gives a strange example of faith. He mentions the Israelites “ability” to cross the Red Sea as if on dry land, while the Egyptians could not. Many of the Israelites were nervous and later they complained about Moses and ultimately, GOD. Yet GOD protected them.

 

My Observations:

• GOD protects me in spite of my doubt, fears and worries.
• GOD knew I would mess up and HE protects me anyway.
• GOD sees all hearts and protects me from those who try to stop me from serving HIM.

 

Serving GOD pleases HIM, but causes the enemy to get upset. I mean, when I put my mind and heart into action for doing something meaningful for CHRIST, GOD gets excited. Unfortunately, it causes me to rile up Satan who, in turn, tries to place obstacles in my way. BUT GOD sees the obstacles and removes them.

 

It is not because I am faithful and sinless, it’s because HE is faithful and sinless. JESUS faced every temptation I could ever face and more. HE did not sin when tempted and was murdered by HIS own creation. HE was raised from the dead and provides the HOLY SPIRIT to live in those who believe in HIM. HE did it all and did not rely on my faulty faithfulness. I am glad GOD is faithful to me.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer mention faith when it came to the unfaithful Israelites?
• Have you ever sinned and were nervous about receiving punishment from GOD?
• Are you doubting HIS love for you because of your current situation?
• Will you believe in HIS power over your situation and believe HE is faithful to you even though you cannot possibly be faithful to HIM because we are all sinners?

 

Prayer

Dear LORD, please protect this reader from his or her thinking. Please guide us from worry, fear and doubt. Show us YOUR faithfulness, especially when we are unfaithful. Thank YOU! amen

Dangers and Troubles

Dangers and Troubles

Hebrews 11: ²⁷ It was faith that made Moses leave Egypt without being afraid of the king's anger. As though he saw the invisible God, he refused to turn back. ²⁸ It was faith that made him establish the Passover and order the blood to be sprinkled on the doors, so that the Angel of Death would not kill the first-born sons of the Israelites.

 

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Driving in a neighborhood that was known for its dangers, I made a wrong turn. I ended up on a dead end street, similar to those seen in movies. I panicked as I looked in my rear view mirror to see who was converging on me. No one was around. I simply backed up and drove away.

 

• I brought worry and fear into the situation.
• I worried about what could happen instead of seeing what was happening.
• I thought the worst, instead of thinking of the best.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, continues his faith examples with another aspect from Moses. Danger would not stop Moses from doing what the LORD said to do. He boldly left Egypt after GOD sent plagues, making Pharoah desire to send the slaves away. GOD also protected those who believed in placing blood on their doors from the final plague, namely Angel of Death.

 

My Observations:

• My fears can diminish my faith in GOD.
• GOD loves when I face my fears by turning to HIM for the answers.
• GOD specializes in protection and deliverance, even when things seem bleak.

 

In the middle of danger and trouble, GOD wants me to take a deep breath and keep moving towards HIM. I mean, things may seem impossible with no way out and no solution at hand. GOD steps in and provides when I stay the course.

 

HE knows I am still afraid. BUT HE also knows how to provide for me when I get nervous and need HIM to show me the way. I am glad GOD takes care of my deepest fears and addresses all situations with HIS loving power.

 

Challenge

• How do the two examples of the writer relate to each other?
• Have you ever faced danger or trouble and panicked?
• Will you take faith into your next encounter with danger or trouble so you can calm down enough to hear GOD, and be delivered from evil that day?

Fear

Fear

Acts 4: ¹⁸ So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. ¹⁹ But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. ²⁰ For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” ²¹ So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, because of the people, since they all glorified God for what had been done. ²² For the man was over forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed.

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After seeing the horror movie, I was a bit shaken. I drove home and traversed the seemingly longer walk from the garage to the house. It was dark. I got my keys to the house out of my pocket in preparation for a quick entry. “Boo!” said a neighbor, who jumped from out of adjoining bushes. I ran screaming, only to hear laughter.

• There have been times when I have been afraid.
• There have been times when I could rationalize why I was afraid.
• There have been times when I was so afraid that I could not think rationally.

Peter and John were threatened by the same church leaders who had JESUS killed. This intimidation would make most people cower in fear. But Peter and John had solidified who they serve, namely JESUS. They did not walk in fear.

• GOD says to me “The only healthy fear is the fear of the LORD.”
• GOD says to me “I AM your protector, and your provider.”
• GOD says to me “I AM the only salvation.”

Humans threaten life and death. BUT GOD is the only one who can fulfill it. I mean HE says “There is an appointed time for everything”, including death. Very real human threats and situations can only thwarted by GOD.

HE wants me to have healthy fear which is fear of not doing what HE says to do. HE wants me to choose HIM over anything I can grasp onto in this life. JESUS is my Savior and purpose. Whom shall I fear? I may get scared, but the spirit of fear no longer holds me.

• Are you gripped with fear that does not seem to go away?
• Are you spreading fear by calling people foolish and stating threats people face?
• Will you trade your “spirit of fear” for the “fear of the LORD” by spreading peace today?

Overcoming Barriers

Mark 4: ¹³ And He said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables? ¹⁴ The sower sows the word. ¹⁵ And these are the ones by the wayside where the word is sown. When they hear, Satan comes immediately and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts. ¹⁶ These likewise are the ones sown on stony ground who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with gladness;¹⁷ and they have no root in themselves, and so endure only for a time. Afterward, when tribulation or persecution arises for the word’s sake, immediately they stumble. ¹⁸ Now these are the ones sown among thorns; they are the ones who hear the word, ¹⁹ and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. ²⁰ But these are the ones sown on good ground, those who hear the word, accept it, and bear fruit: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred.”

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Station four was my nemesis. It was the part of the obstacle course that I could not overcome. The gym teacher required that I do ten pullups before moving on to the rest of the course. “Ten? I can’t even do one!” I said to myself.

• Sometimes life feels like a huge obstacle course.
• Sometimes life has big things in it that seem hard to overcome.
• Sometimes life deals out difficulties that seem impossible to overcome.

Ailments, broken relationships, poor grades, job pressures, job loss and death of loved ones are a few obstacles that have kept me from shouting from the mountain that GOD is awesome! I mean how awesome is HE when I am standing out in the rain, getting soaked waiting on a bus? GOD wants me to get stronger.

• GOD wants me to open my eyes to see Satan trying to steal GOD’s promise of peace and his attempt to replace it with worry.
• GOD wants me to open my eyes to understand there will be tribulation and persecution so I need to prepare myself.
• GOD wants me to open my eyes to know I am susceptible to lust of money, lust of power, and lust in general.

When I feel scared, worried, lustful or judgmental, GOD wants me to get my answers from HIM instead of acting on impulse. HE enables me to see that in the middle of a trial, I can still bear fruit for HIM. HE wants me to quiet down, seek HIS face for direction and actually go where HE leads me. There is where I will find fruit for HIS kingdom!

• Have you given up on GOD?
• Do you feel more worried than full of praise?
• Can you look at what GOD has said about your situation in HIS word and act accordingly?
• Will you accept HIS message of peace for you today?

Overcoming the Unknown

Isaiah 42: ¹⁶ I will lead the blind by ways they have not known,
    along unfamiliar paths I will guide them;
I will turn the darkness into light before them
    and make the rough places smooth.
These are the things I will do;
    I will not forsake them.
¹⁷ But those who trust in idols,
    who say to images, ‘You are our gods,’
    will be turned back in utter shame.

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Scared was my first memory of school as my mother let go of my hand in preschool. Frightened was my first thought as I rode multiple busses to high school. Fearful was my first reaction as my father gave a driving lesson. Worried was my first thought as I ventured into the unknown after a long and glorious career.

• Sometimes the unknown can be scary.
• Sometimes the unknown can be frightening.
• Sometimes the unknown can be dark and rough.

Whenever I was frightened or worried or fearful I could not enjoy the moment. I turned good situations into bad and soon I was on a path of destruction. I mean if I never got over the stifling fear of the unknown then I could not get settled enough to enjoy my surroundings. How can I get over this?

• GOD says to me “I will lead the blind by ways they have not known” which means HIS knowledge will be imparted to me.
• GOD says to me “I will turn the darkness into light before them” meaning HE is the way the truth and the light for my path.
• GOD says to me “I will not forsake them” which means HE is the only one powerful enough to keep promises.

GOD knows I can get scared of the unknown. HE is not mad at me for being worried. HE knows I am blind and reaches out to grab my hand and lead me besides still waters and restores my soul. As long as I let HIM lead me, I will be just fine!

• Are you scared?
• Are you worried?
• Does the way you are going seem dark and mysterious?
• Can you allow GOD to lead you?
• Will you put your total trust in HIM today?

Overcoming Fear

Isaiah 21: ⁴ My heart falters,
    fear makes me tremble;
the twilight I longed for
    has become a horror to me.

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Do not be afraid are words I dread to hear. It makes me think of all the things I need to be afraid of. When faced with jumping off the high dive in my swim class the instructor said “do not be afraid” and I was terrified. When problems hit and I see the words in the Bible “Do not be afraid”, I am calm for about three seconds then I panic. What is the problem?

• Sometimes I get scared.
• Sometimes I have fear.
• Sometimes I am filled with nervousness.

Fear happens when my mind takes the extra step. I mean when I start thinking about something bad happening as an outcome to the situation then I panic. What should I do?

• GOD says to me “Hold every thought captive” which means I should not step too far into the future with my thoughts.
• GOD says to me “I am with you always” which means that I am not alone.
• GOD says to me “You are wonderfully made” which means I am in the most powerful family.

Trusting in GOD means taking life a little at a time. No ultimate solutions to problems. GOD wants me to see HIM daily. HE wants me to understand that when HE says “Do not be afraid” He is giving me a weapon versus scolding me. GOD is handing me the shield of protection as if saying “Do not be afraid, your HEAVENLY FATHER who loves you is right here.”

• Are you afraid?
• Are you tired of people telling you to trust more?
• Can you give just a little fear to GOD by telling HIM what you are afraid of?
• Will you face your fears instead of having HIM remove them so you can grow beyond them?
• Can you praise GOD in the middle of your fears?

Where it all starts

Psalm 128: ¹ Blessed are all who fear the Lord,
    who walk in obedience to him.
² You will eat the fruit of your labor;
    blessings and prosperity will be yours.
³ Your wife will be like a fruitful vine
    within your house;
your children will be like olive shoots
    around your table.
⁴ Yes, this will be the blessing
    for the man who fears the Lord.

⁵ May the Lord bless you from Zion;
    may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem
    all the days of your life.
⁶ May you live to see your children’s children—
    peace be on Israel.

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Zero words, zero advice came from my high school counselor, but I never asked the right question. I was told to “Go to college” so I did because I feared the future. No direction, no roadmap came from the college I graduated from, but I never asked for help. I was told by others to “Dress for success” and to be impressive in the interview, so I did because I feared not getting the job.

• Fear has driven many of my decisions.
• Fear has driven many of my questions about life.
• Fear has driven many of my mistakes and successes.

Blame was the first thought that came to mind when it came to a direction I chose. I mean, why wasn’t someone put in my path to simply tell me what to do so my fears would be taken care of? Some paths I chose felt right while others felt dreadfully wrong. Where does true success come from?

• GOD tells me “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.”
• GOD says to me “Blessed are all who fear the LORD.”
• GOD states “Do not fear those who can hurt the body but cannot hurt the soul. Fear the ONE who can destroy the soul.”

Fear of GOD means I need to hold HIM in the highest regard. HE needs to be number one in my life no matter what goes on around me. HE gets praise first and my plans need to be placed in front of HIM before I move forward. HIS direction, HIS path and HIS timing are all great in my mind and my fear needs to be channeled to pleasing HIM.

GOD is not needy or mean. HE simply wants me to stay away from anything that isn’t of HIM. Instead of fearing “stuff” I need to fear the LORD, this is the beginning of GOD’s blessing.

• Do you have fear in your life?
• Do your fears seem greater than your fear of GOD?
• Can you stop blaming GOD without fearing HIS consequence of complaining?
• Will you fear GOD today by seeking HIM first?

Remain Confident

Psalm 27: ¹³ I remain confident of this:
    I will see the goodness of the Lord
    in the land of the living.
¹⁴ Wait for the Lord;
    be strong and take heart
    and wait for the Lord.

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Clinging to my mother’s hand, I was frightened to go into the unknown. I had never spent time away from her and this thing called kindergarten was foreign to me. I was scared, but I let go and went in. This same feeling appeared several times in my life, each time I was frightened of the unknown, each time I let go and dove in.

• The unknown is frightening to me.
• The unknown is very scary to me.
• The unknown is a place that my mind conjures up fears.

Jumping into the unknown is frightening for the heartless. I should know, I have been very scared many times. BUT GOD says something different.

• GOD says to me “When you walk by faith, remember to wait on ME.”
• GOD says to me “When you are frightened, be strong and take heart.”
• GOD says to me “I will bring goodness while you are alive and after.”

GOD tells me to remain confident no matter how frightened others around me may be. HE leads me besides still waters and restores my soul.

• Are you frightened to walk into the unknown?
• Are you afraid of making a mistake?
• Can you ask GOD to help you overcome your fears?
• Will you reach out to GOD today for strength?