What are you afraid of?

What are you afraid of? Loneliness? Failure? Financial issues? Relationship issues? Work issues? Health issues? Death? Suffering?  Fear can be overwhelming and paralyzing. It is not a coincidence that our loving God has much to say about fear, frequently commanding His children to “Fear Not!” Easier said than done you might say.  Here is what God says…

Fear Is Common.  You are not alone in your struggle with fear. Paul explained that in many of his sufferings he was “afflicted at every turn—fighting without and fear within” (2 Corinthians 7:5).  What external battles are provoking fear within you? Don’t feel like you are the only one struggling. We all have fears to fight.

Jesus’ Love Replaces Fear.  The key to defeating fear is not simply removing it. The key to defeating fear is replacing it…with Jesus’ perfect, satisfying, never-ending, overwhelming love.

Imagine a child in his father’s strong arms. In that moment the child finds comfort in the father’s presence and power. Want to defeat the fears in your life? Climb into your Heavenly Father’s presence through the Bible and prayer and enjoy His sweet strength and joyous love.

1 John 4:18—“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.”

Without Jesus, Be Afraid.  Unfortunately, by nature, we have rejected Jesus’ love and presence. Our fears are provoked by wrestling with Satan, the world, and the flesh in our own strength. Our actions in those moments reveal that we trust and respect ourselves more than we trust and respect God. If Jesus is not our Lord, in control of our lives, then we should be afraid for we are rebelling and disrespecting Him and will one day answer to Him for our pride-filled, self-centered heart.  

Matthew 10:28—“And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”

If Jesus is not our Lord, punishment in hell is certain.  Hell is real conscious suffering but is also a forever separation from God.  If you live in fear consider that you are essentially living moment by moment without God, choosing to separate yourself from the only solution to fear.

God Loves You.  Satan thrives off of fear. He intimidates, accuses, deceives, and tempts in order to lead us away from the powerful presence and love of God.  

2 Timothy 1:7—“for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”

God loves you. His love is so amazing. He doesn’t want you to forget it. He doesn’t want you to miss it. He wants you close to Himself. He wants you to experience His comfort moment by moment in every day of your life. His Bible is a love letter where He reminds us of His love, draws us into His love, speaks and commands us into His love, promises His love, and shows us His love.

Still struggling with fear? Open your Bible. Listen to the Bible on your phone. The Bible is God’s love letter to the whole world. To you.  Receive it. Believe it. Enjoy it. Fear not.

Ephesians 6:17—“take…the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God”