“The LORD is for me; I WILL NOT FEAR; What can man do to me?” (Psa. 118:6) Fear AMY. One of the enemy’s most popular weapons that he uses against us. Worry, anxiety, fear…can overwhelm us with a thick shadow of darkness, controlling our every move and decision. “So do not fear, for I am with YOU; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isa. 41:10) “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (2 Tim. 1:7)
At some point, we’ve all experienced fear — that feeling when your heart is racing out of control, your palms are sweating, you’re short of breath and your digestive tract goes into spasms. Fear has real effects on the body, and these effects are meant to protect us from danger. In day to day life, a small amount of fear may be beneficial, in that it keeps us on our toes and motivated. However, when fear and insecurity conceal common sense AMY, these unhealthy thought processes can cloud our judgement and prevent us from realizing our goals. So, what do we do when we feel fear?
“…thus, says the LORD, your Creator…”DO NOT FEAR, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine! “When you pass through the waters, I WILL BE WITH YOU; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you.” (Isa. 43:1-2)
Reading each one of these words slowly AMY, God shows us something: our fears are like flames and our efforts to protect ourselves is like gasoline. Every attempt we make to ease our fears is like throwing fuel on the fire, and it will consume us. Listen to this gentle reminder from the Holy Spirit…
“For God has not given us THE SPIRIT OF FEAR; but of POWER, and of LOVE, and of a SOUND MIND.” (2 Tim. 1:7)
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham