Happy Halloween!
How would you define the word “fear”? The dictionary defines it as “to be afraid of something of someone; to expect or worry about something bad or unpleasant.” Some people might say their biggest “fears” are spiders, snakes, heights, crowds, public speaking, thunderstorms, flying, what people might think of them, asking for help, not having enough money, etc. A fear can be an anxious or queasy feeling that we live with everyday and that our friends around us are struggling with as well. There are so many fears that could be named. What might you be afraid of?
Our lives can easily become overwhelmed with worry and fear. What do you do when you are afraid? Do you let the fear take control? Tormenting you, taking control and making you unhappy? We shouldn’t let any of those things happen – we should turn to God. Sometimes this is easier said than done in certain situations.
Fear is kind of like a negative faith. We think a situation is too big for God, doubting that He is actually in control. To overcome fear, we must put our FAITH in God. He has the power and ability to accomplish what appears to be impossible. God is ALWAYS there to encourage our hearts and help us understand that he is sufficient at all times … even when we are afraid.
When we are afraid, we need to exercise our faith. Here are some Bible verses to encourage us when fear has a hold on us.
“What time I am afraid, I will have confidence in and put my trust and reliance in You.” – Psalm 56:3 (AMP)
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” – 2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV)
“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 (NIV)
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” – James 4:7 (NIV)
“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.” – 1 John 4:18 (ESV)
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” – Philippians 4:6 (NIV)
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” – Matthew 6:34 (NIV)
” 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 (NIV)
When we trust Christ as our hope of salvation, we have nothing to fear.
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