God’s plan for you and for me, is that we would live an abundant, joyful, and successful life! Jesus said, “I came that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10. He also said, “Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.” John 16:24. God wants your life to be filled with joy!
God says over and over in His word, “Fear not”, “Do not fear”, Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid...” Genesis 26:24, Deuteronomy 1:21, Joshua 31:6.
In fact, God tells us 365 times in His word to NOT be afraid. That’s one warning for every day of the year! I think He means it.
Why is it such a big deal to God that we not fall into fear? The answer is because fear and faith cannot coexist. They are opposite sides of the same coin. Fear will cancel out your blessing! If we live in fear, then we can’t live in joy. The choice is ours. God said, “I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live.” Deuteronomy 30:19. Do you think God would tell us to choose if we really didn’t have a choice?
Your mind is a magnet. Whatever you focus on, you will attract. Studies have proven that your life moves in the direction of your most dominant thoughts. If you are constantly dwelling on your problems and living in fear of what might happen, then those fearful things are what you will draw into your life. That’s why God tells us to meditate on good things: “Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report...meditate on these things.” Philippians 4:8
As we meditate on good things, fear begins to fade and faith begins to grow. Our faith, however, must be faith in God, and in God’s character, which is love. If we simply try to have faith in faith, or faith in ourselves, or faith in our bank accounts, friends, employers, spouses...then we are setting ourselves up for disappointment and defeat. Faith in God is the only faith that will stand the test of time and deliver us into victory, because God is the only One who is always faithful.
“Now thanks be to God who always causes us to triumph in Christ...” 2Corinthians 2:14
So, what should I do when I’m tempted to fear? I’m so glad you asked! First, remember that fear is never from God, it is always from your enemy. Resist it! When fear comes do not embrace those feelings. Chose instead, to believe God and His word. Begin to declare His word over your situation. Like this:
When sickness comes, and fear begins to invade your brain, open your mouth and boldly speak God’s word over your situation:
“God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind!” 2 Timothy 1:7
“By His stripes, I am healed!” Isaiah 53:5
“No weapon formed against me will prosper!” Isaiah 54:17
“As I declare a thing, it is established!” Job 22:28
...And I declare that God’s word is true, always true, and never returns to Him void...He who has promised, also will do it! Isaiah 55:11 & Hebrews 10:23
Fearless freedom is your God-ordained destiny! Take it!