Yesterday I had the privilege of sharing with our local MOPS group (Mothers of Pre-schoolers) on the subject of living with less fear–or FEAR Less! The Holy Spirit gave me some more insights I would like to share here.
Living and walking with less fear is a growing process. Fear is the unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous–and is likely to cause us some type of pain or threat. It is also defined as a feeling of anxiety concerning the outcome of something or the safety and well-being of someone. Every time we face a fearful situation, we consciously or unconsciously deal with the balance of risk, safety and security. If we feel the risk is too high we usually stay in our safety zone. When we trust our Heavenly Father we live out of a foundation of faith and not fear, fear becomes less intimidating. We see it for what it is–something to bring torment and stop us from accomplishing His plan and purpose for our lives.
Matthew 7:23 “whoever hears these sayings of Mine and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on a rock.” Security comes from building our life on His Word and His ways. Psalm 56:3 says “what time I am afraid, I will trust in you.” What a blessing to know that as we are led by His Spirit we are covered by His protection and grace. Understanding that even though fear will present itself, if we follow His instruction those fears (storms) do not have to hinder our lives. We will declare that our trust is in Him (which includes His power, might and love.)
First thing to do when you recognize you are struggling with fear is to analyze the “what” am I afraid of? What is the bottom line that I am afraid of? Once we can name our fear, it suddenly becomes smaller and more manageable. We can pray specifically and find God’s Truth to combat the lie that may be entangled in that fear.
Then we can begin to pray specifically, Lord, show me what to do. How do you want me to handle this situation? Taking time to silence those fearful messages by capturing any intimidating thoughts is paramount. Renewing your mind by learning and speaking God’s truth brings peace and clarity.
Matthew 6: 25 instructs us to take no thought about your life, what you will eat, what you will drink, or about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look the birds of the air, for they do not sow, nor do they reap, nor gather into barns. Yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much better than they? These are part of the instructions we find Him talking about in Matthew 7: 23. As we begin to listen and follow them, we will be building and enlarging the foundation of our life. Stability will begin to be normal in our every day situation, so when we encounter storms though we may shake, we will not fall.
There are times we need to examine the “where” of our fears? Where are they coming from. Have we been listening to voices of doubt and negativity? Watching movies or shows dealing with infidelity or miserable spouses can open our souls to irrational fears concerning our spouse. Spend that same time securing your marriage instead. Praying for and building up your partner is a much better use of your time. I have watched women grow dissatisfied with their own marriage as they read romance novels comparing their husband to some mythical prince charming. They begin to believe a lie and become fearful that their life is not as happy as it could be, so they pick fights–causing a rift and ultimately a broken marriage has occurred. Dwelling on feelings of inadequacy can be another source of fear entry. God’s truth says we are His children, loved and accepted, created in His image for a purpose and a plan.
Friends, the Word warns us that there are perilous times ahead. Even that word “perilous” can stir up fear! Perilous means full of danger and risks. I believe as we follow Him and listen to His instructions we will not only navigate this season of our lives with minimal fear, but we will actually grow stronger in our faith.
Father, I thank you for helping us grow in our faith. I thank you that fear does not have control of our lives, but you do. We submit to you and yours ways. Teach us to walk in those ways with victory and faith! What time we are afraid, we will trust in you.
Faith Encounters 