Fear, anxiety and worry are , triplets they usually operate together. It can be about big issues like wondering how your life is going to turn out eventually or about smaller issues like how to do a public presentation.
Usually our fears are valid. It has evidence, it has a track record. Sometimes, it's the most logical thing to feel.
Your family is not financially stable so you might not get a proper education.
You don't have any connections so you might not get that job.
You are very shy so that public presentation will be a flop.
Your mum and grandma all had terrible marriages so you might have one too.
But the Bible tells us that," For I have not given you the spirit of fear, but of love, peace and a sound mind." Our entire faith as christians is one that encourages us to rebuke and reject fear.
Why you should not be afraid?
✊"Do not be afraid of their faces, For I am with you to deliver you,” says the LORD. - Jeremiah 1:8
✊The Lord is my light and my salvation whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life- whom shall I be afraid? - Psalm 27:1
✊What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?- Romans 8:31
✊I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”- John 16:33
✊For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” - Romans 8:15
✊These signs shall follow them that believe, they shall speak new tongues, when they lay hands on the sick, they shall recover, when they drink any deathly thing it shall not harm them.- Mark 16:17-18
✊Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”- Joshua 1:9
✊For we know that all things work together for good to them that love the Lord and are called according to His purpose. - Romans 8:28
What do you when anxiety creeps in?
We have a good example on how to deal with this in the life of Jesus.
Yes, our Lord and Savior had to deal with fear of what lies ahead like we all do.
He took Peter and James and John with Him, and He began to be deeply distressed and troubled [extremely anguished at the prospect of what was to come]. - Mark 14:33 AMP
When His death on the cross became imminent, He prayed earnestly that the cup of suffering should bypass Him. But then He said again, not my will but yours be done, Lord! (Mark 14:36).
How did He go from dreading His incoming suffering to being this resolute and courageous?
He prayed.
The Bible says He prayed with His face to the ground (Matthew 26:39).
When these feelings arise, it is essential for us to counter them with prayer.
With the Word of God, we have to arm ourselves with bullets in our mouth to destroy every budding seedling of fear in our lives no matter how valid.
✊Be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus - Philippians 4:6-7
✊Casting all your care upon him; for he cares for you.- 1 Peter 5:7.
Another translation says ; casting all your anxiety upon him; for he cares for you.
✊Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your path. - Proverbs 3:5-6
Benefits of not being anxious
✊You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you. - Isaiah 26:3
✊Even though I walk in the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. For you are with me, your rod and your staff comforts me - Psalm 23:4
I hope these Bible verses will serve as references for us. That whenever we get anxious, we can come back and marinate on these words over and over again until our faith is stirred and conviction rises within us.
Take heart, soldier. The Lord for you.
Amen and Thanks for the light.
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
John 14:27