Standing at the beginning of a year, or a new season, it is easy to struggle with mixed emotions.
There are exciting things to look forward to, opportunities to take hold of, but also certain areas of our lives that could bring anxiety to our hearts.
“Too many of us are not living our dreams because we are living our fears.” Les Brown
Unsure of what the year holds, we gaze into the darkness of tomorrow, and our hearts might wonder what evil could be lurking in the shadows.
Fear knocks at the door.
Faith answered.
No one was there.
FEAR is simply False Evidence Appearing Real.
Fear is a lie, merely a shadow, but if we shine God’s Word as a powerful lamp, the shadows disappear, and we see “no one was there”.
There is nothing to be afraid of this year, for Jesus is already there.
God knows what we need before we ask, and our loving Heavenly Father has already made provision for it all. He goes before us preparing the way. He is faithful.
How do we kick fear to the curb?
- Ask the Lord for His promise. Ask Him for His word concerning the area that’s causing you worry. For every problem, there’s a promise. (2 Peter 1:4) Find the promise, then set your thoughts on the promise until God’s words drown your fears.
- Face your fears. Get up from the couch, open that front door and expose fear for what it is. It’s nothing. Fear is a mirage, it’s not real. In Christ we fear nothing, but God Himself. This fear of God is not a terror of running away from God, but a holy reverance for the greatness and glory of God. The holy fear of the Lord delivers us from every unhealthy fear.
- Find your courage in the Lord. For every challenge, there’s courage found in God. (Joshua 1:9) Courage isn’t the absence of fear, but rather the strength to step out and do something despite the fear.
When you begin to stand on God’s promises, face your fears and step out in obedience to the Lord you will discover your faith becoming stronger, and your fears becoming weaker.
As you do these three things you will find yourself walking more and more within the presence of God, and there is no unhealthy fear found there.
When God is near, fear is far.
The Psalmist says it succinctly, ”Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105).
May God’s promises dismiss your every fear and strengthen your faith to overcome this year, in Jesus name.
God bless,
André
PS: Here’s a video message I shared on Overcoming Fear. Check it out if you want to kick fear further to the curb.
