Fear is an insipid thing and is the root cause of a lot of our anxiety, struggles and lack of joy. Predominantly because fear bases its power in highlighting the unknown’s and the what ifs of our life and the world around us. We become afraid of what we can’t control.
Which is why one of the best way’s of dealing with fear and anxiety is to assess the situation and then focus on what we can control and where we have to learn to trust.
Here are some things we can control:
1.We can control how informed we are about the issues, without being excessive or obsessive and bombarding our hearts and minds with every news report and awful thing that is happening around us. We get to choose where and how to place healthy boundaries in our life.
2. We can control what we focus on; what and who we listen to, associate with and what we talk and think about. We get to control largely how we spend our time and whether we build our faith or not. Whether we will praise or complain; dream and be hopeful or be negative and despairing. We get to choose and control whether we wash our hands and choose to live healthily. Whether we will adjust to navigate through circumstances in front of us or throw up our hands and give up or become overwhelmed with fear and doubt. We get to control whether we focus on what God says about whatever is causing us to be fearful or we look around and listen to everyone else.
3. We can control what we do with our spare time and what we think and talk about most. Will we seek to feed fear or faith and love, because we become what we think about most.
For example, if we are afraid of getting sick then we can choose to control what we are focusing upon and the steps we are taking to keep well, such as eating, drinking and exercising to stay healthy. We control to a great extent our stress levels, which if too high will weaken our immune systems. Choosing to manage our fear and stress levels helps keep us well.
4. We can choose to acknowledge we are afraid and anxious and then actively address what we are concerned about. We can control how often and when we bring our concerns to God and find out what He has to say about the situation.
5. We can choose to take control of our thoughts, anxiety and what we are doing and saying, to do our part to walk in God’s promises, and then trust God to do His part. To trust that He will take care of us; that He will protect, guide and provide for us as we lean in and listen to Him and the instructions in His Word.
God knows we get fearful and anxious, which is why he said “fear not” over 365 times in His Word. He wouldn’t say that unless He knew He’d have the answer and deliverance for every fear and every obstacle we may face in life.
Today be encouraged that you are not alone. Jesus is with you and has promised that nothing and no one; no sickness, disaster, plague, struggle – nothing in all creation will snatch you out of His loving hands. (John 10:28)
At the mention of His name every demon must flee, every obstacle crumble, every sickness and virus shrivel up and every fear give way to His provision and peace. (Philippians 2:10)
Jesus said, “Do not be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.” “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.” (Luke 12:32-33)
Make the effort to guard your heart and your mind today as you determine what you are actually able and meant to control and what you need to let go of and simply leave in God’s very capable hands.
“Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)
“A cheerful heart is good medicine.” (Proverbs 17:22)
Prayer: Lord thank you that you have my life in your hands and that I don’t need to fear anything or anyone because you watch over my life and have everything under control. I choose to look to you and your promises rather than any storm or bad report today. In Jesus name Amen.
Comments