WE all do it. We don’t want to. But even the strongest of saints have their days when something happens, or information is given that causes fear to arise in their hearts.
It happened to me the other day, and along with the fear came a sadness about the future that is totally ridiculous because I’m forming the future in my mind way before there is any evidence of the possibility.
Crazy.
I know.
But I know I’m not alone.
It’s a human condition– this fear thing.
The enemy preys on us whispering fearful thoughts. It gives him great joy when he can make us afraid. But.
I love that there is always a “But” with God.
Deep breath.
We learned last week that we are never alone. Immanuel came in the form of a little baby much like the one lying in a manger in our nativity sets. He was born under the stars for all of creation to see, and when he left this earth, he sent another comforter, counselor, helper–he sent his Spirit to be with us forever. (Click to watch the teaching.)
“But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid” John 14:26-27.
He knew we would have fearful days.
Some of my favorite scriptures are the ones where people are afraid and the Lord (or heavenly messengers) tells them not to be. Three of those meetings live in the Christmas story.
- Gabrielle tells Mary not to be afraid. (She was “troubled” by his greeting).
- An angel also assures Joseph that he has nothing to fear.
- And when their dark fields lit up like the day by the glorious luminescence of an army of angels, the shepherds greeted by these heavenly messengers also heard the words, “Do not be afraid.”
The angel’s consolation contained the promise that God had a good plan. It was going to be okay.
It reminds me of Romans 8:28. God works all things for good for those who love him and are called according to his purpose.
What are you going through today that is causing fear to rule your heart?
I pray this BoB reading plan will help take the power out of the fear and replace your anxious thoughts running marathon circles in your head with peace.
Sneak Peek of Printable Scriptures and Questions
1 Peter 5: 6-7: Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
• I see two very important phrases here: humble yourself and cast your anxiety on him. If you are worried or anxious, first get on your knees if you can and ask God to forgive you for not trusting him. Then write down your worries in a journal. Close it. And know that God has it. Do you feel more peace?
Psalm 27:1: 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?
• If you are fearful about a specific problem, ask God to show you what good thing he could do if the worst thing possible happened in that situation. Play your favorite worship song and spend time worshiping. (That is a good stronghold to run to.)
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 mortals do to me?
• Again, ask God to show you the good that can come out of a bad situation. And ask him to direct you to a Bible verse concerning that issue. Write it down. (It may take a few minutes of flipping through your Bible and waiting on God.)
2 Timothy 1:7: For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
• Envision the Jesus in you doing whatever you are afraid to do. I have nothing to give but Jesus. I know it’s not my words or teaching that will draw people to Him but His Spirit. All I have to do is be faithful to do what He is telling me today. What does He want you to do today?
Isaiah 41:10: 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.
• If God calls us to something or allows us to walk through something hard, He promises He is with us. How does this help you go through your circumstance if you believe He is with you?
Psalm 27:14: Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.
• One of my favorite new songs is “Take Courage” by Kristine DeMarco. Here’s the link. I hope you can listen.
Psalm 112:6-7: Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever. They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.
• Even the righteous—those right with God will receive bad news, but circle what happens to them. Never shaken. Remembered forever. Write down a person who is like this. Ask them how they have such faith. Ask the Lord for a greater measure of trust like this.
Click here to download or print the printable to have during your quiet-time.
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Monday through Friday we gather together in my kitchen via Facebook Live to unpack each “bite” for the day. It’s a time of digging deep and receiving encouragement from God’s truth for the day ahead. The Word is alive and active. Come experience that life and the Holy Spirit’s leading. Pour yourself a cup of coffee, grab your Bible and bring a journal for taking notes! I go live at 8:20 AM ET. Follow me on FB to receive notifications of the video or subscribe to my YouTube channel to watch later.
We are overcomers. Fear does not have power over us because Jesus holds power over fear. Let him calm your anxious heart today and strengthen you to overcome the anxious thoughts. Whisper his name. Whisper “Jesus!”
He is with us.
“Learn to Laugh at yourself more freely. Don’t take yourself or your circumstances so seriously. Relax and know that I am God with you. When you desire to do my will above all else, life becomes less threatening. . . .” Jesus Calling
Amen.
Oh for the ability to see with eternal vision as he sees. He wants to take our fear and give us peace in return. That’s a good deal.
[bctt tweet=”He wants to take our fear and give us peace in return. #Christmas” username=”wordsbyandylee”]
What are you afraid of?
Digging Deep,
Andy
PS. If this was encouraging, and you don’t want to miss any Bite of Bread reading plans and posts, subscribe today! You’ll receive a 22-Day Devotion on Psalm 119 called Finding the Beauty {Full} in God’s Word.Just click here to dig deep to live fully. 🙂
Thank you for inviting me to your table to dine on His Word. On Sunday, I took care of a patient preparing for a cardiac catheterization. She professed her faith in God, but she worried about everything. Before I point my finger, I first examine fear in my own life. Reading Psalm 27:1, “The Lord is the stronghold of my life…” As a visual learner, I transpose the word “stronghold” for backbone. I imagine standing tall and stretching my body toward the heavens. Then I can say, “I put my trust in you.” I love love love Isaiah 41:10. “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.” These words breathe life into my dry bones. This words strengthen me to walk by faith.
Hey Debbie! The Word of God is so strengthening and comforting isn’t it? I love those scriptures too, and I love the visual you received when reading Psalm 27:1. Trust is key. We can’t find peace or strength without it. Love you friend!
Thank you, Andy. Love how you use people from the Christmas story to remind us to “fear not.” Thanks for this, “And when their dark fields lit up like the day by the glorious luminescence of an army of angels, the shepherds greeted by these heavenly messengers also heard the words, ‘Do not be afraid.'” Oh, those words remind me that God will light up my way when I walk in the dark fields of this world with His glorious presence. Merry Christmas!
Hi Karen! Good stuff! I love how you wove the shepherds’ story of light into yours. Thank you! love that. You must be a writer! LOL!Blessings and Merry Christmas to you as well.
A big “YES” to this post and all its truth. I love remembering the angel’s message of “Fear Not” at this time of year when anxiety rides a big horse and makes lots of noise!
I see in the side bar that you’ve been to Portland, Maine! Hooray!
Hey Michelle! Thanks fr stopping by. Fear is loud isn’t it? Yes, I had a wonderful time in Portland wit a great group of ladies!