When Life's Storms Arise, Let Jesus Be Your Lighthouse
Rather than trying to eliminate fear, our goal should be to replace it, or overcome it, with faith. And not faith in fatalism or optimism, hoping that everything will work out. But faith in the promises and plans of a sovereign and loving God. He is a promise keeper. Faith is only as good as its object. We must replace fear with a faith in God, that can be trusted and can have positive outcomes. Faith in the God of Scripture, qualifies on both counts.
An example of a biblical character, who faced fear head on, is David, when he faced Goliath. Though faced with what seemed impossible odds, David knew he could do anything through Christ, who strengthened him. He had a faith that was stable, unstoppable, and ready to face anything, knowing God was His strength and shield.
It's ok to feel afraid. That doesn't mean you're not brave or have no courage. It's just a natural response and defense our body uses, to alert us to danger. It is letting us know that something is not right and is not working for us, so change is needed. It's just that we dont want to allow that fear to overtake or overwhelm us. Remember, God is bigger than any problem we might face.
We can instead, keep fear balanced. We can manage it, harness it, and face it head on, in spite of feeling afraid, and use it to our advantage. We can do anything with God by our side, and move forward, in spite of the fear. I've done it afraid. Shaking in my boots, afraid. But I used that energy to look fear and my enemy, straight in the eye and conquer it, instead of the other way around. God helped me do that. You can do that, too. That way, you're in control, not your emotions. You'll come out the other side, trust me, a much better person, and stronger. Faith, in spite of fear, can move mountains!
Fear can be overcome through faith in the promises of God. The fears we sometimes address, are the fear of disasters, safety, disease, debt, defeat, disconnection, disapproval, danger, failure, abandonment, rejection, depression, and death. While each of these fears is well-known to most people, none of them need dominate the emotional life of the person who trusts in God. Don't give them more power than they have. They are simply areas of our lives that need to be addressed and resolved; not brushed under the rug. Don't do that. You must address them, or they'll haunt you and still have hold of you.
Taking a biblical perspective on each of these fears, allows them to be overcome by faith. When you pray and you're feeling afraid, tell Jesus. Pray, instead of worrying. It's way more productive. He's trustworthy. Leave your burden with Him. He doesn't need our help in fixing things. He's perfectly capable of handling your situation. If you pray, then still worry, that tells God you still don't believe him or his promises. Trust Him enough, to accept that He heard you, then allow Him to work on your behalf, and in His own time. He's got your back, the minute you pray and trust him to keep his word. Let Him do His work. No need to revisit the problem. Instead, focus on His promises, then rest in them, and Him...knowing He always has your best interest at heart.
Have faith in God
He's on His throne.
Have faith in God
He watches o'er His own.
He cannot fail,
He must prevail.
Have faith in God,
Have faith In God.
[media=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=REqfEy6bUh8]
