This morning I read about overcoming fear. It was the next chapter in a book I am reading with another lady in our church fellowship. When I started it, I didn't think of myself as really needing the chapter, but thought it would help me know how to help someone who might struggle with fear. Boy, did the Lord have a lesson for me! By the end of the chapter, I wrote a prayer to God asking for His help as I face a situation in which I am fearful.
Philippians 4:6 commands us to "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving make your requests known to God." It's a familiar verse and one that I often meditate on and even encourage others to think on. The passage goes on, however, to talk about our thoughts. Our thoughts are to be on things that are honest, just, pure, good, lovely, reputable, praiseworthy, and true. When I choose to allow my thoughts to be on things that are the opposite of this list, it can create fear in my heart. This fear is sin! Fear is selfish because it is focused inward, not outward. It's about how I feel, what's been done to ME. God says to not be anxious about anything! Be thankful and pray! The result is peace - peace that surpassing all understanding. Peace that guards our hearts. I need that peace.
You overcome fear with love. "Perfect love casts out fear." (I John 4:18) Love is not selfish. I Corinthians 13 tells us that love is patient and kind, isn't boastful, isn't easily provoked; believes in all things, hopes in all things, endures all things. It never fails. It is not selfish. It has an outward focus.
As I struggle today with fear, I am countering my thoughts with what is true and honest and of good report. It isn't easy, but I desire God's peace to guard my heart. If you are struggling with fear, tell the Lord. He already knows anyway. Our fear affects everyone around us because we are so focused on our struggle we lose sight of what is actually in front of us. It can keep us from fulfilling God's plan for our lives. It can hinder us from receiving God's grace.
"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." II Timothy 1:7
