There are many times I find myself looking back at the person I was just a few short years ago and marveling at all of the world’s lies that I allowed myself to believe. I deluded myself into thinking I needed to be “liberated” in order to fulfill my full “potential.” At the time I could not see what was really going on, but I can see it clearly now- rather than become free, I became a slave. A slave to my desires, to material goods, to food, to reckless fun, and a slave to my selfish, sinful nature. Not only was I a slave, but I was also a shirker. Responsibilities were placed on the backburner, unless they could help me achieve what I wanted, of course! As I rode around and around on this crazy non-stop ride, I honestly thought I was free.
Not only is anxiety an uncomfortable feeling, it also leads to negative consequences. Reasoning becomes cloudy when overwhelmed with worry. So an anxious person will have trouble making wise decisions. Fear of failure may also lead to procrastination or a lack of productivity. Apprehensions can devastate personal and spiritual growth, relationships, and work. So conquering fear is important. Four steps can help.
First, you need to identify the fear. Ask yourself about the circumstances surrounding your feelings and what triggered them. What message are you telling yourself? Then turn to the Lord. Remember, God loves you and desires an intimate relationship with you. He’s in sovereign control of your situation, so bring your fear to Him.
You should rebuke the fear before God. You have the authority and power in Jesus’ name to reject what isn’t from Him. Meditate on passages such as Matthew 10:31 and Proverbs 1:33. Let God’s truth replace any wrong thinking.
Finally, cling to your heavenly Father. Take your focus off your circumstances, and look to the One who promises His help. Scripture from Isaiah 41:10 gives this assurance: “Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you. Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
Circumstances are external and often beyond your control. But your response originates within. It’s amazing how fears diminish in the Father’s presence.
(Jesus speaking) “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.”
Matthew 9:2
You can be forgiven! This is the wonderful message of Jesus Christ. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Jesus Christ came to earth to die on the cross for our sins. He was perfect and sinless; we deserve the penalty for our sins. He took that penalty Himself when He died in such pain and agony.
Now when we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior He sets us free from the law of sin and death. Even as Christians, we may sin. But God promises us that if we ask Him He will forgive us our sins.
That is the great news; and we want to share it with the whole world.
“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs.”
Psalm 100:1, 2
Rejoice in the Lord always.” What does it mean to “rejoice in the Lord?” Does it mean just that we thank God for the good things in our lives?
While that is important, rejoicing in the Lord is much more than this. It means praising Him for Who He is as well as for what He does.
It means recognizing that we will spend eternity in heaven with God since we have accepted Jesus as our Savior.
God is loving and kind and we can tell Him we love Him.
Even in tough circumstances, God is good all the time.
He is our heavenly Father and He loves us.
