Faith Over Fear
“Do not be anxious about anything, but with prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:6-8, ESV)
In this moment of panic in our country, we can’t let fear rule over or lives. I will admit, as a parent of an immunocompromised child, this pandemic has me slightly concerned. But fear should not be our first response. I know that’s easier said than done, as I’ve battled fear for most of my life.
We need to remember we have children looking to us as examples of how to handle the tough, frightening moments in life. We have to ask ourselves what we want our children to learn from this experience. No doubt about it, they will learn something from this, but what will it be: faith or fear?
I want to encourage you and let you know you are not alone in this battle. I understand how fear can cripple you and affect every decision you make. Fear focuses our attention on what we can’t control. I also understand that some of you are tired of living this way, and you’re tired of fear dominating your life. Thankfully, the LORD gives us freedom from fear. He wants us to trust solely in Him. Faith focuses on the One who is always in control.
But how? Here are some ways that have helped me turn my fear to faith.
Pray: First, and always first, pray. When we pray, our focus changes from our fear to our mighty God. Lay your burdens at His feet. Let Him know why you are feeling fear. Ask Him to remove the fear and to replace it with faith in Him.
Give Thanks: Thanking the LORD helps us focus on those times He carried us through difficult circumstances. It also shifts our attitude from one of dread, to one of gratitude. It helps us look at the situation before us and see it is an opportunity to grow closer to God as we depend on Him for peace.
Change your thoughts: Rather than focusing on all of the frightening what-if’s, focus on the Word of God. His Word is alive and active (Hebrews 4:12). It is also the Sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17), the weapon we are to use in our battles. His Word is the Truth and it will cut through any lies we may be feeding ourselves. Think upon the lovely things we know to be true, not the fear we know to be a lie.
Finally, take comfort in the Lord knowing He has the perfect plan for our lives (Jeremiah 29:11) and that He is always in control (Psalm 115:3). Let your faith rule over your fear.
Image by reenablack from Pixabay
