Counselor's Corner: God is Bigger than the Giants you Are Facing

The problem that is facing you may be large and may seem impossible to overcome, but God is bigger than what you are encountering. The enemy likes to magnify your difficulties, and by doing this your problems appear larger than they really are. When your problems seem larger than they really are, fear, anxiety and worry can overcome you.

Reflect and ponder:

 Do you have any situations in your life that seem impossible to overcome, or perhaps your circumstances seem larger than what God can do?

Counselor’s Corner:

Let’s take a look at the story of David and Goliath for overcoming impossible situations or the “giants” in your life. The Israelite soldiers woke up every morning to hearing the relentless taunting of Goliath. The Israelites focused on Goliath’s size-he was very large, a giant! The Israelites listened to Goliath’s demeaning words and they knew they could not win the battle against him, so they did nothing. However, David spent time in the presence of the Lord, singing praises to Him and he continually spent time with the Lord. When David saw Goliath he did not waste any time in fear, but because he had been with the Father he knew who would be fighting for him. David knew he did not need any special weapons to fight Goliath because he understood that God would fight the battle for him.

Remember the story in the Bible in the book of Numbers where the Israelites were to possess the Promised Land, but when the 12 Israelites spied on their land before entering it and saw the giants…they ran in fear. However, Joshua and Caleb saw something different than the 12 spies. The 12 spies looked at the giants and knew there was no way they could win, but Joshua and Caleb looked at the giants and knew there was no way they could not win!  When facing “giants” in your life, it is important to realize that God can do the impossible and remove that “giant” in your life. Having this kind of confidence that God will fight for you comes only from spending imitate time with the Father. Sitting every day at the feet of Jesus (in His presence) will equip and prepare you for your battles. When you spend quiet time with God, listening to the Holy Spirit there is no need to worry how to fight your battles because in God’s rest and His strength He will battle for you and he will give you strategies to win!

Yes, your “giants” are most likely bigger and stronger than you, but are they bigger and stronger than God?

Who are you focusing on more? The “giants” in your life or the King of Kings? Victory came for David and the Israelites because David had spent time in the presence of the King, and this time prepared David’s heart that with God on his side no giant would be impossible to defeat.

What you focus on, you magnify!

Your problems may not change, but you can stop focusing your gaze upon how big your problems are and instead focus on how big your God is! Instead of focusing on your problems daily, CHOOSE to get up every day like David did and focus on God and His presence.

Guard your alone time with the Father. Distractions will try and steal your time with God. The devil sets you up to get you upset, because he knows that when you get emotional and upset you have a hard time hearing God.

Many times in your life you will face “giants” that seem impossible to conquer, but God promises in His Word that you already have the victory in Jesus Christ. At times God brings giants, storms and challenges so you so that you will grow in your faith.

MEDITATE ON THIS SCRIPTURE:

David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.” 1 Samuel 17:35

The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent. Exodus 14:14

Resource to help you be an overcomer:

►For additional information on how to overcome your “giants” in your life it starts first in your mind and with your thoughts. Check out my book, “Disciplining your mind, 30 days to a betteryou,” to learn how to overcome a negative, defeated thought life.

Most of What We Worry About Never Happens

I read somewhere years ago that 85% of what we worry about never happens! And what does happen you will be able to handle better than expected.

When I look back on all these worries, I remember the story of the old man who said on his deathbed that he had a lot of trouble in his life, most of which had never happened. Winston Churchill

Worry is feeling uneasy or being overly concerned about a situation. Excessive worry puts your mind in overdrive and you constantly focus on what may happen. Excessive worriers react intensely to stressful triggers, and even thinking about the situation can lead to great anxiety. When we are worrying, we are in the midst of repetitive thinking that is non-productive. People who are analytical tend to worry more because they are trying to figure out a solution to their problem.

Everyone has normal stress and demands, but when worries and anxieties become chronic; the stress response can be triggered. The stress response is known as “flight or fight,” and causes the body’s sympathetic nervous system to release stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. These stress hormones can trigger health problems such as dizziness, fatigue, dry mouth, irritability, headaches, shortness of breath, and muscle tension. The outpouring of stress hormones can lead to a suppressed immune system, short-term memory loss, and heart attack. When we worry our bodies respond the same way it would react to physical danger. Your body will tense up as you prepare for danger and this can turn into aches and pains such as headaches and back pain.

Worry is a waste of time, and it drains us of energy. Why do we worry then? We believe that all our worrying will help somehow. We believe that if we worry enough we might prevent bad things from happening.

If we are worrying, we are not trusting God.

Worry leads to anxiety and anxiety leads to fear. Worry can also make you more prone to depression. Worry disturbs your peace and it becomes more difficult to concentrate when worried.

You can rewire your brain to stop worrying by focusing on the following:

1.      When a worrisome thought enters your mind, immediately take that thought captive to Christ. Ask God to help you to stop repeatedly thinking about the problem and ask for His wisdom. Trust God and take your concerns to Him instead of worrying. It is okay to have concerns about things, but take them to God instead of mulling over them in your mind.

Be anxious for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God, and the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

2.      Become thankful. Be thankful for the things that you do have, and do not dwell on circumstances out of your control. Think on the good things in your life.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and anything praiseworthy, meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8

3.      Focus on one day at a time. Stop projecting what may happen tomorrow. God’s grace is sufficient for the day, He does not give us grace for days and weeks ahead. Remember most of what we worry about never happens.

Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious or itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:34

4.      Trust God with your life and with your loved ones, even when you do not understand all what has taken place in your life.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight before you. Proverbs 3:5-6

Worry in not productive and it can trigger many health ailments, including depression. There is always something to worry about, but worry does not change anything for the good. The energy that is expended on worrying could be used for more productive things. It is okay to be concerned over things in our lives, but when we begin to obsessively think about the issues; we are worrying-talk to God instead about your concerns and leave the worries with the One who can do something about them.

Are you a chronic worrier? What action steps can you take today to reduce your worrying?

Proven Antidotes for Stress, Anxiety and Fear

Are there things in your life that seem to constantly cause you stress, anxiety or fear?

Are you overwhelmed at times and find it difficult to sleep at night?

90% of what we worry about never really happens, so then why do we worry, stress and plagued by daunting fears? The enemy magnifies those difficult or trying circumstances in our lives, and when we take our eyes off of Jesus and onto these nagging problems we lose perspective. When our eyes are off the Helper, we can easily slip into stress, anxiety and fear. The enemy shows us worst-case scenarios and we begin speaking out what those scenarios look like, but watch out when you begin agreeing with what the enemy says about your circumstances. A lot of the times, the enemy throws one circumstance after another at us, hoping we will take the bait of at least one of them. There is a “wearing-out” the enemy deploys upon us. You may have felt super strong with the first, second, and maybe even the third difficult circumstance, but when they keep coming you better run to the throne of God quickly. When you feel yourself weakening and getting spiritually fatigued, it’s time to run quickly (even and especially if you don’t feel like it) to the feet of Jesus. These schemes diverted at you are not to be taken lightly or not taken seriously. We are never to fear our enemy, but we must know when we are beginning to get attacked.

Another way to know the enemy is trying to get you stirred-up is that you lose your peace and joy and you become restless, even stressed, anxious and fearful.

Random thoughts pop into your mind. You try and take every thought captive but there are so many thoughts coming you find it more and more difficult to gain a hold on the thoughts. When this happens recognize this is a scheme and a plan from the enemy and you must begin to cry out to God for His help.

There are some antidotes I use when I feel attacked, stressed, anxious and fearful. The prescription does not come in a bottle or pill but through the following:

______________________________________________________________________________

Antidotes for Stress:

Stop what you’re doing and go to the throne of God; don’t wait!

Trust God even if it looks big and out of control and your feelings say something else.

Rest in God alone and His help; don’t try and figure out the outcomes!

Evaluate if you are tired, hungry, or sick? If you are, you need to take care of those needs.

Sing, worship the Lord. You will feel a lift in your spirit and the enemy will have to flee!

Surrender all fear, worries, anxieties, and concerns to God; do not hold on to them!

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Antidote for Anxiety:

Admit and confess you have been worrying and you don’t have all the answers.

Never give the enemy a foothold by speaking out what he shows you.

X-amine the reasons you are anxious and speak the truth over every anxious thought.

Identify the lies of the enemy concerning every anxious thought and replace immediately with the truth of God’s word.

Evaluate if all your anxiety and worrying is helping and changing things or making you sick, tired, and weak?

Turn your anxieties to God and give them to Him. Do not hold on to them!

Yearn to have a different life! You do not have to live with anxiety!

Antidotes for Fear:

Filter out all fears immediately. When fears come, pull them down, stop them, and replace with faith-filled statements, such as, “I will not live in fear.”

Entertain thoughts are lovely, of a good report, and praiseworthy.

Accept that you have a real enemy and you will have to be aggressive in your thought life.

Run to Jesus! Do not let the enemy terrorize you and cause you to have what-if fears.

To have peace and the joy of the Lord sometimes you have to fight, other times you have to be still until the attack has passed. Ask Jesus to show you what to do, but ask! If you are feeling those nagging thoughts of stress, anxiety or fear, take these antidotes and begin to apply them.

Christians and Anxiety

When we start to look at our problems and circumstances, and begin to project future events; we are on dangerous ground. The anxious person has little peace, and without peace there is turmoil and confusion. Even Christians can experience anxiety, but it is usually a result of taking our focus off of Jesus and onto the external things going around us.

The underlying cause of anxiety is the belief that danger is lurking.

These dangers have to do with the concern that we are not able to control our circumstances, and we are vulnerable to less than desirable outcomes.

There are many things around us that can cause great apprehension and fear. What should a Christian do when they experience anxiety? Is medication the answer? There is nothing wrong with seeking an evaluation from a doctor, but what if there is more to treating anxiety than medication. Consider for a moment, that there is a spiritual realm of darkness that works against you. Christians can experience a spirit of anxiety.  

Steps to Overcoming Anxiety:

1.      Meditate and read scriptures that apply to anxiety. Speak the Word of God over your circumstances.

A man cannot discover anything about his future.

(Ecclesiastes 7:14)

Cast all your anxiety on Him because he cares for you.

(1 Peter 5:7)

Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall.

(Psalm 55:22)

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

(Matthew 6:34)

Do not fret-it leads only to evil.

(Psalm 37:8)

So do not worry, saying "What shall we eat?" or "What shall we drink?" or "What shall we wear?" For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly father knows that you need them.

(Matthew 6:31)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

(Philippians 4:6-7)

Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.

(Proverbs 29:25)

2.      Pray and ask the Lord to uncover the “roots” of your anxiety. Expose the lies of the enemy to the truth of God’s Word.

3.      Exercise regularly. This helps to alleviate and manage anxiety. Talk to God as you exercise.

4.      Take a warm bath; warm water relaxes muscles. Listen to relaxing music, light scented candles, and drop some lavender oil in the bath.

5.      Journal. Write down your thoughts, feelings, and worries, and then surrender them to God.

6.      Focus on one day at a time. Don’t get ahead of yourself and project future outcomes.

7.      Be careful of what you’re watching, listening to and reading for entertainment.

And remember God can break every chain! There is power in the name of Jesus. Ask Him.

How Negativity Affects Your Physical Health

“Change your thoughts and change your world.” Norman Vincent Peale

Chronic stress from negative attitudes can upset the body’s hormone balance and deplete the brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) required for feelings of happiness. Negative emotions can weaken the immune system. The mind, body, and spirit are interconnected. When one is affected, the other two will suffer. For example, someone with chronic negativity towards life can also have co-related depression and fatigue. Anger and hostility has been linked to hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Many health problems such as chronic fatigue, depression, insomnia, and gastrointestinal diseases will not entirely clear up on their own, unless the mental and spiritual aspects are also addressed.

Some common negative emotions are: worry, fear, depression, guilt, resentment, lack of contentment, complaining, and anger. These emotions can open the door to sickness and disease. Worrying generates anxiety and reves up your body. People who are chronically anxious have a dramatically greater risk for developing asthma, arthritis, headaches, and peptic ulcers. Studies have shown that worry, fear, anxiety and other negative emotions weaken natural “killer cells” in our bodies. Killer cells actually attack abnormal cells.

Research has shown that positive thinking can aid in stress management and even plays an important part in your well-being. According to the Mayo clinic, positive thinking is linked to a wide range of health benefits including: longer life span, less stress, lower rates of depression, resistance to the common cold, better coping skills, and better psychological health. However is positive thinking alone enough? No, you must replace every thought with a faith-filled statement and scripture. Say out loud these scriptures daily and any other helpful ones and write them out on index cards.

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

                                 

Philippians 4:6

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Romans 12:2

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Ephesians 4:31-32

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

John 14:27 ESV

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

2 Corinthians 10:5 ESV

We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.

WildernessMentality, Stop Your Stinkin’ Thinkin’ by Stephanie Reck

5 Reasons We Compare Ourselves to Others

You are unique, one of a kind, really you are! What happens when you look to others to find out how to act or even what to do? Disappointment and frustrated. We were not made to copy other people’s lives. God created each one of us different, with different talents, abilities, and gifts. You may admire someone else’s gifts, but if you try and copy what they are doing you will end up very frustrated. We can never do exactly what someone else does. If we look to another person and what they are doing, we can lose who we are. We will never truly be happy with someone else’s life!

5 reasons we compare ourselves and even try to replicate what others do:

1.      Insecurity. We do not know who we are in Christ or what God has called us to do individually, so we look to others to figure it out.

2.      Fear. We want to be well-liked and approved of. We try and fit-in and do what everybody else is doing.

3.      Listening to others. Many people can give you ideas about your life’s calling, but you must hear and confirm it with God. What does God say He wants you to do?

4.      Failure. If you have failed in the past for any reason, it can make it harder to follow on that same path again or a similar path, so it is easier to follow the path of another.

5.      Lack of confidence. This confidence has to come from Christ alone, not self; however, some have no confidence in what Christ can do through them and find it easier to do what everyone else is doing.

What if you stepped-out today, and believed that you are unique, distinctive, and special? Meaning you will not think, act, or behave like anyone else? You will not have the same calling from God as everyone else. You will even have a distinct path in finding your life’s purpose. If you want to know your life’s direction, stop comparing your life to others, and ask God what He desires for you to do. God may have something very specific for you and it does conform to what the “group” is doing. If you feel different and that you have tried to mold yourself after others and it never works, then maybe it is time to stop copying and be who God created you to be.

Keep your eyes focused on Jesus and His blueprint for your life. It is okay to have role models and people that inspire you, but trying to do exactly what they are doing will cause you to be defeated. Comparing ourselves to others will always make us feel inferior about ourselves. We were not meant to be like anyone else. If someone reacts a certain way or does something differently than you would, that is okay! You will not always respond like everyone. God has given you a brain and DNA that no one else has. Embrace your uniqueness, see it as a gift from God. Love yourself and stop beating yourself up for not being able to be like everyone else, not even the people in the church! Love who God created you to be, God does.

Thoughts to ponder: What is it that you need to accept and love about yourself? How do you need to stop comparing yourself to others? Can you begin to believe that you have been uniquely created?

Refocus

What has caught your attention lately? Have you been more concerned with the cares of this world, other people’s problems, or on difficult circumstances? Maybe you have been in a long spiritual battle and it has kept most of your time and attention. Whatever the reasons, you have lost your focus on Jesus. When we do this we can endure restlessness, anxiety, fear, stress, and feeling overwhelmed.

Just like with a camera lens, sometimes we need to adjust the camera lens so we can see the picture clearer. In our lives, sometimes we need to step back and find out why we are not focused on the things of God.

They enemy will use anything or anybody to derail and distract us from our purpose and walk with Christ. If you are focusing on the problems around you more than the promises of God, you have lost your focus. You may sense a lack of joy and peace in your life as a result of keeping your eyes fixated on the things that you cannot fix. Perhaps, you may have tried to fix other people’s dilemmas, which led you to focus on their cares and concerns more. The focus has been on everything but Christ. This was not intentional, but a subtle scheme of the enemy to turn you away from your only source of peace and hope, Jesus Christ. If you have been too busy for Christ, than you have been too busy.

Start today by evaluating what your focus has been on lately, and begin to lay aside every weight that has encroached upon you. Spend daily time with the Lord, and get into His presence where He can bring you back to His promises. Ask the Lord to give you His perspective on each thing that has caused you to lose focus on Christ. Maybe God wants you to cut back something, or even back off from relationships that keep you continually focused on the cares of this world. You may need to pull back for a while from relationships that have drained your energy and depleted you spiritually. These types of relationships have the potential to keep your focus in the wrong direction. If you have been helping others and have got lost in their problems, and you are sensing your helping is not helping but keeping you from the things of God; step back and get back into alignment with Christ.

How do you know you need to refocus with Christ?

1.      You are feeling anxious and uptight. You have lost your peace and joy.

2.      You are focused more on the problems than God’s promises.

3.      Your time with God is little or non-existent.

4.      You feel worried and fearful.

5.      You are irritable and perhaps even angry.

6.      You become cynical.

7.      Are worn-out physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

8.      You are putting your trust in everything but Christ.

9.      You are disappointed, discouraged, and maybe depressed.

10.  You are overwhelmed and stressed.

11.  You are not sleeping restfully.

Colossians 3:2 ESV

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.

Psalm 1:1-6 ESV

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;

Matthew 6:33 ESV

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Romans 8:5 ESV

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.

Philippians 4:8 ESV

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Overcoming Fear

God tells us in the Bible over 100 times, “Do not be afraid.” Yet, we can be paralyzed and overcome with fear. There is a lot of things we can fear, the unknown, the future, change, people, failure, and rejection. If we allow fear to rule in our lives, we can become overtaken by it; and live by fear instead of faith.

 

God says, "Do not be afraid."

It takes trust in God not to let fear rise up. We do not always see what is happening, and as humans we can become gripped by the unknowns and what ifs. We can hear the enemy whispering to us, “What if…?” We can then start o be preoccupied by the scenarios that the enemy shows us. We can get in agreement with the lies of the enemy, and believe what the enemy shows us is factual. The enemy always magnifies our circumstances, and makes them appear impossible to overcome and to find a solution to. Fear overwhelms and is rooted with worry and anxiety. If the enemy can get us to live in fear, then he knows we cannot possibly live by faith.

In this fallen world and the times and seasons we live in, there can be a lot to fear. Our only real security is in Christ. We must understand that fear is not implemented by God, and the enemy is the source of all fear. We will all experience fear in our lives, but God does not want us debilitated by them.

You can overcome fear by believing what the Bible says, and meditating on these truths daily, as well as reading Psalm 91. You can also overcome fear by not agreeing with what the enemy says, but instead trust God and His faithfulness. You can overcome fear by believing that God is with you, and He will strengthen you. Believing that fear is not of God, you can take the authority that Christ gives His true believers, and tell that spirit of fear to leave you in the name of Jesus Christ. It is not God’s will that His children live fearful, weak, and intimidated by the enemy. God wants us to be strong and courageous, and not to be afraid.

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you, He will never leave you or forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6

“Peace I leave you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27

Cast your care on the Lord and He will sustain you. Psalm 55:22

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

Believe what the Word says!

Overcoming Fear

Overcoming Fear

Fear can be defined as an imagined or real threat that we have. Wikipedia defines fear as an emotion induced by a perceived threat which causes us to quickly pull away from it. It is a basic survival mechanism in response to a specific stimulus which is perceived as a risk of significant loss. Fear almost always relates to future events, such as worsening of a situation, or continuation of a situation that is unacceptable.

To overcome fear we have to face the truth behind why we are fearful, we have to expose the truth in each situation we are fearful of.

1.       A lot of the times we predict worse-case scenarios over the things we fear. Some fear comes from deep within us, from past experiences and hurts. If we have been through a trauma or crisis of any sort, we can relive that moment all over again by just thinking about the memory. Our brains cannot distinguish if the event just happened or happened years earlier.

2.       Sometimes we imagine fearful things that could happen, but have not actually happened yet. This is fear of the unknown and fear of the future. We might be fearful of going back but also fearful of moving forward. Fear, paralyzes you, and gets you stuck; can’t move forward and can’t go back.

3.       You may have had a lot of bad things happen to you, and you live tense and fearful they could possible happen again. This is being fearful of unpredictability. You may have lived in a state of chaos and unpredictability before, and this has you on edge waiting in fear, geared-up, for the next unpredictable thing to happen.

You may be familiar with the acronym for FEAR:

False

Evidence

Appearing

Real

Is it possible to overcome fear? Yes! Face what you’re fearful of and ask Jesus to forgive you of the fears you have and not fully trusting in Him. Don’t live another day bound and tormented in fear. Fear is not originated by God, but satan.

Some Tips to Overcome Fear:

1.       Many times people are worried and anxious about events that will never actually happen to them.     Relax. Focus on today only and take it one day at a time.

2.       Stop “predicting” what will happen in your life and the lives of those you know.

3.       Pray and ask God to deliver you from your fears. Prayer is a powerful weapon!

4.       Take your fearful thoughts captive immediately! Don’t dwell on them or ponder them. Replace      those fear thoughts with a scripture like this one, I am able to do all things through Christ who      strengthens me. Philippians 4:13.

Prayer for overcoming fear:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We come asking you to forgive us of our fears and not trusting you with our lives and the lives of those we love. Help us to not live one more day in fear. We ask that you release us from the grip of fear that satan has on us, in the name of Jesus.

“Peace I leave you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be AFRAID.” John 14:27, NLT

Reflection Questions:

1.      Are you living in fear? Do you know why you fear the things you do?

2.      Have you asked the Lord, Jesus to deliver you from your fears?

3.      What steps do you need to take to trust God and surrender all your fears?

Overcoming Fear

Fear can be defined as an imagined or real threat that we have. Wikipedia defines fear as an emotion induced by a perceived threat which causes us to quickly pull away from it. It is a basic survival mechanism in response to a specific stimulus which is perceived as a risk of significant loss. Fear almost always relates to future events, such as worsening of a situation, or continuation of a situation that is unacceptable.

To overcome fear we have to face the truth behind why we are fearful, we have to expose the truth in each situation we are fearful of.

1.       A lot of the times we predict worse-case scenarios over the things we fear. Some fear comes from deep within us, from past experiences and hurts. If we have been through a trauma or crisis of any sort, we can relive that moment all over again by just thinking about the memory. Our brains cannot distinguish if the event just happened or happened years earlier.

2.       Sometimes we imagine fearful things that could happen, but have not actually happened yet. This is fear of the unknown and fear of the future. We might be fearful of going back but also fearful of moving forward. Fear, paralyzes you, and gets you stuck; can’t move forward and can’t go back.

3.       You may have had a lot of bad things happen to you, and you live tense and fearful they could possible happen again. This is being fearful of unpredictability. You may have lived in a state of chaos and unpredictability before, and this has you on edge waiting in fear, geared-up, for the next unpredictable thing to happen.

You may be familiar with the acronym for FEAR:

False

Evidence

Appearing

Real

Is it possible to overcome fear? Yes! Face what you’re fearful of and ask Jesus to forgive you of the fears you have and not fully trusting in Him. Don’t live another day bound and tormented in fear. Fear is not originated by God, but satan.

Some Tips to Overcome Fear:

1.       Many times people are worried and anxious about events that will never actually happen to them. Relax. Focus on today only and take it one day at a time.

2.       Stop “predicting” what will happen in your life and the lives of those you know.

3.       Pray and ask God to deliver you from your fears. Prayer is a powerful weapon!

4.       Take your fearful thoughts captive immediately! Don’t dwell on them or ponder them. Replace those fear thoughts with a scripture like this one, I am able to do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13.

Prayer for overcoming fear:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We come asking you to forgive us of our fears and not trusting you with our lives and the lives of those we love. Help us to not live one more day in fear. We ask that you release us from the grip of fear that satan has on us, in the name of Jesus.

“Peace I leave you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be AFRAID.” John 14:27, NLT

Reflection Questions:

1.      Are you living in fear? Do you know why you fear the things you do?

2.      Have you asked the Lord, Jesus to deliver you from your fears?

3.      What steps do you need to take to trust God and surrender all your fears?