Has anyone ever noticed how fear is such an opportunist?
One minute everything is seemingly fine. The next, fear is trying to sneak in, contorting to fit into even the smallest of openings, eager to wreak havoc on the day. Like an unwelcome visitor at your door, the incessant knocking to accept the invitation and jump on the merry go round of an emotionally (and physically) draining jaunt comes through loud and clear as the obstacles of life are rehearsed against the backdrop of practical reasoning.
The possibilities? There are none.
The savings? Non existent.
The chances? They look pretty slim.
Big dreams and big plans? Leave that to someone else more qualified.
The unfortunate fact is that there are many moments in life that the enemy would love to use as a conveyor belt to accelerate fear’s advances, fast-tracking us from stressed and frustrated to panicked and cowering–wars and rumors of wars, financial challenges, sickness and disease.
Fear loves to ride on the coattails of challenges, attaching itself to situations and circumstances he loves to deem as too big for us.
But the things that are often labeled as impossible are quite small compared to our God. However, the problem arises when we allow fear to focus our attention away from our all-powerful Heavenly Father.
Instead of marveling at God’s power, relaxing into His enduring love, and rejoicing in His unending ability to protect and provide for us, regardless of the circumstances, we follow the breadcrumbs fear strategically drops along the pathway toward destruction. Each moldy crumb attempts to lead us farther away from the truth of who we are and what we’ve been given. With each piece we accept we are led away from an overflowing banquet table prepared by our Father and into a barren, dry place of lack.
” 3 He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. 4 Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. 5 You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies.”
Psalm 23:3–5 NLT
The enemy’s tactics are not creative. And each purposeful attack is an attempt to separate us from our God and our identity, which is why the Bible takes a very clear stance when it comes to the topics of fear, anxiety, and worry.
The Bible is also clear as to what we’ve been given so that we can be more than overcomers in any (and every) situation.
“Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” (Romans 8:37)
In order for fear to lead us astray, we have to release the truth of our position as children of God.
Because if we’re honest, oftentimes it’s not the bad news, the bills, or the uncomfortable situations that cause us to buddy up next to fear. Instead, it’s the imaginations of what could be if things don’t work out in our favor that cause us to hop on the demonic merry-go-round of anxiety. Unrestrained, hypothetical scenarios play on the screen of the mind, yelling at us to relinquish hope and prepare for the worst.
But it’s in moments such as these that we can deny fear’s access to our emotions with one simple step. One simple step? Yes. It’s true. Are you ready? Here it is: Remember that God is good and He is for you.
“20My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. 21Don’t lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart, 22for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body.”
Proverbs 4:20–22 NLT
It may seem simple, but remembering the truth of what’s been given to you and how you’re loved, will help you keep what belongs to you.
“1If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.”
Colossians 3:1–3
When we fix our thoughts we are not ignoring what is happening. Instead we are taking the opportunity to step back from the scenarios fear is painting before our eyes. From that place, we can step into the truth that there is Someone who has the final say in every situation and He loved you so much that He overcame everything to set you in a place of authority and power with Him now and in the age to come. He has overcome all things so that you can be given you a place of prominence in His family. And He is always ready to prove His love for you, personally.
Peace, health, prosperity, strength, joy—it’s yours; it was all included in your benefits package when you accepted God’s invitation to be part of His family.
As His child you hold a place in the Father’s heart this is not accessible to just anyone. Through faith in His Son, Jesus, you have chosen to make Him your God and you will not be abandoned, go unprotected, or stand in faith only to go unrewarded.
As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.”
Romans 10:11 NLT
Access that truth today. Meditate upon that truth today and don’t let it go. The God who is the same yesterday, today, and forever, the One who designed you perfectly and created plans for you to flourish in this day and age is good and He is for you.
The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying: “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.”
Jeremiah 31:3
Delve into the Word today and immerse yourself in the Scriptures that brag on God’s goodness. And always remember that as His child, He is always for you.
The God who rescued Naomi from drowning in depression and Peter from drowning in the sea is your God. The God who leveled the walls of Jericho and tore the veil of separation is your God. The God who healed Hezekiah and Jairus’ daughter is your God. The God who preserved Rahab and her family is your God. The God who secured the Promised Land for His people and has seated you in Heavenly places is your God. The God who soundly defeated Moses’ enemies is your God.
He is exactly who He promised He would be.
He is the God who has come close and that will never fail. He is your God.
Until we see Him!