Fear bases its power on highlighting the unknowns and the what-ifs of our lives and the world around us.
You become afraid of what you can’t control, which is why one of the best ways to deal with fear and anxiety is to assess the situation and then focus on what you can control.
Here are some things you CAN control:
1. You can control how informed you are about the issues without bombarding your heart and mind with every news report and awful thing around you. You get to place healthy boundaries in your life.
2. You can control whether you focus on what God says about what is causing you to be fearful or you look around and listen to everyone else. You can choose to control your thoughts and to do your part to walk in God’s promises. To trust that He will protect, guide and provide for you as you lean in and listen to Him and the instructions in His Word.
You choose whether you will praise or complain, be hopeful or become negative and despairing. Whether you will adjust where necessary, to navigate through circumstances in front of you.
3. You can control what you do with your spare time and what you think and talk about most. Will you seek to feed fear or faith and love. You become what you think about most?
For example, if you are afraid of getting sick, you can choose strategies to keep well, such as eating, drinking, and exercising to stay healthy. You control to a great extent your stress levels, which, if too high, will weaken immune systems. Choosing to manage your fear by strengthening your faith and taking care of your mental health helps keep you well.
4. You can control how often you pray and bring your concerns to God, and determine what He says about the situation. Other forces may think they have ultimate control, but they don’t. God does!
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 had anticipated what we were going to need and face and be able to provide and deliver us from every challenge 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 an effort to guard your heart and mind today as you determine what you are able and meant to control and what you can let go of and leave in God’s very capable hands.
“Peace is what I leave with you; it is my 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 love and 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.
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