“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere man do to me?” Psalm 56:3-4
The Shackle of Fear
I think we have all had that feeling. The one in the pit in your stomach, your heart is about to jump out of your chest, and rush of thoughts as you drop into a pit of fear, anxiety and flat out terror. It comes sitting across the table from a doctor, stepping into an angry bosses office or for some being asked to be more than a flower on the wall.
We are human and fear is something we can’t avoid, but it is something we can control. Having that tingle down your spine can alert you to a hazardous situation or danger. However, allowing that fear to take hold of you and keep you from moving forward will be detrimental to your Christian walk.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” ~ Philippians 4:6-7
This doesn’t say that God will swoop down and change everything. It does say that if we take it to God. We will get peace. God understands that we will have fear and that we will need Him. Look at Psalm 56:3-4 “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere man do to me?” David doesn’t write, “If I am afraid.” He says, “When I am afraid.”
Becoming Fabulous because of a Faithful God
When we look at life just with our own eyes, we become fearful, fugitive & pessimistic. We start to second guess ourselves and every decision we ever made. When we look at the Bible and begin to see how God empowered normal average people. The Holy Spirit takes the Word of God and strengthens us and gives us courage that we didn’t know we had.
John tells us how God’s love fights fear.
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” ~ 1 John 4:18
God doesn’t want us to be shackled to our fears. All throughout the Bible, God tells us how faithful He is.
1 “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.” ~ Isaiah 41:10
“Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid.” ~ John 14:27
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” ~ 2 Timothy 1:7
“But now, this is what the Lord says…Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.” ~ Isaiah 43:1
“An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.” ~ Proverbs 12:25
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” ~ Joshua 1:9
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” ~ Matthew 6:34
“Humble yourselves, then, under God’s mighty hand, so that he will lift you up in his own good time. Leave all your worries with him, because he cares for you.” ~ 1 Peter 5:6-7
“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” ~ Psalm 27:1
“’For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Do not be afraid, for I myself will help you,’ declares the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.” ~ Isaiah 41:13-14
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” ~ Psalm 46:1
“The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? The Lord is with me; he is my helper.” ~ Psalm 118:6-7
“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.” ~ Proverbs 29:25
“But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats.” ~ 1 Peter 3:14
“I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears.” ~ Psalm 34:4
How to change my fears into fabulous
- Put your hope in God—in God and His Word rather than the unreliability of ourselves or others.
- Do what is right—according to God’s way of approaching life, not the world’s way, especially those cultural practices that go against God’s Word.
- You can choose to give God your fears
Choose to give God your fear
We have a faithful God. Who wants you to rely on him and step away from fear.
Your Faith Walk
Read John 14:27 and 16:33. What does Jesus promise to you?
John 14:27 New Living Translation (NLT)
27 “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.
John 16:33 New Living Translation (NLT)
33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
He is with you through any trouble. You can trust Him. Our God is trustworthy!
What might be holding you back from trusting Him whenever you are afraid?
Fabulous-in-Action:
#1: God loves you
John 3:16; John 16:27; Romans 5:5
God sent Jesus to die for you. He loves you. Jesus would have died for you even if you were the only person on earth.
#2: God knows what is happening to you and around you.
Matthew 6:31-32; Psalm 139:1-10
God is everywhere and knows everything. So, God knows what is going on in your life. He knows your needs and how best to meet them.
#3: God can change you or your situation.
Genesis 18:14; Luke 1:37
Is anything impossible for the Lord? NO! Our God is all-powerful. He is capable of doing anything He chooses to do that is in agreement with His character, will, plan and purposes.
#4: You can trust His goodness in whatever He chooses to do
Psalm 119:68; Proverbs 3:5
The Bible says that God is good, and what He does is good. It’s a choice to trust God and bank on His goodness.
What is causing you fear today? What are your choices for acting on that fear?
Pray
Pray about your fears and decisions you are making to trust God in them. Thank God for His grace toward you and His love for you.
One reply on “Move from Fear into Fabulous”
Thank you for this bible study!