2 Timothy 1:7 NIV — for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

When I was a little girl we had a fish fry at our house every Friday night that included my dad’s fishing buddies — two retired widows from our church. The fellowship was always enjoyable and their wealth of knowledge was priceless. One night the adults talked about an incident of a lady coming home one evening and a “bad guy” was hiding under her bed. As they continued the story, which ended in favor of the “good guy,” I became fixated on the bad guy hiding under the bed. Thus was born an irrational fear of someone hiding under my bed. For what seems like years, at night when I went into my bedroom, I would take one step and then take a leaping jump to my bed so that if there was a bad guy under my bed he/she couldn’t grab my leg. Take a moment to envision that scenario. Isn’t that hilarious?

Thankfully I came to my senses and got over that fear. As I have grown older and wiser, I realize how debilitating fear can be, but I also realize fear is not of God. Fear is a liar. Listen to the song “Fear Is a Liar” by Zach Williams. Reread your list of fears you wrote Sunday and give them to God. Speak to the lies of fear and tell them they have no power over you. You are a child of God!

Let’s pray. Thank You Lord for giving me a spirit of “power and love and self-control.”Give me strength and courage to overcome my fears. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

1 John 4:18 NIV — There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

Before we dive deeper into our fears, take some time to read this article produced by CNN Health titled “What is the Science Behind Fear?”

Merriam-Webster defines phobia as “exaggerated fear of” or “aversion or intolerance of” something. As humans, we sometimes let our minds run wild and create imaginary scenarios. However, as Christians, we have been born of God and we know God. Read 1 John 4:7-18 NIV and be assured of God’s love.

Now refer back to the list of fears you wrote yesterday. Read the list through the love of God. If you are able, mark the ones that are exaggerated fears or phobias. Today, pray for God’s love to guide your thoughts and give you strength and courage to deal with those phobias.

Let’s pray. Dear God, Thank You for Your perfect love. Help me to be ever mindful of Your love as I encounter situations that cause my fears to arise. Fix my mindset on Your love. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Proverbs 9:10 NIV — The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Last week Julie shared with us about fear and a holy, healthy fear of God. This week I will share with you some other thoughts about fear.

Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines fear as an unpleasant, often strong emotion caused by anticipation or awareness of danger. Fear is a natural, human emotion. Fear can be crippling. Fear can cause anxiety and stress. 

Today, spend a few moments making a list of fears you may have or experience. I encourage you to have what I call a “brain dump.” Sit alone, in the quiet, with just you and God. Have a pen and paper in hand and just list any and all thoughts you have about fear. There will be no right or wrong answers and this is just for you and God to see. This week as I share some thoughts on fear, I encourage you to keep this list close by so you can refer back to it. For now, make the list and let it go. Leave it at home when you go to your place or time of worship today. Do not let the thoughts of stress or fear spill over into your time of rest and rejuvenation. Do not let fear cripple your Sabbath. Instead, draw near to God.

Let’s pray. Dear God, Draw me close as I worship You today and help me let go of stress. Give me strength and comfort on this Sabbath. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭15‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”

Join me for See You Saturday as I talk about releasing the chains of fear and receiving the freedom we have in Christ Jesus.

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭23‬:‭4‬ ‭NIV – Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.‬‬

Were you able to guard your heart and thoughts yesterday? It’s not easy, right? We are never promised easy. In today’s verse from David we are reminded that no matter what we are walking through, God can comfort our fears. I don’t have my earthly father to run to when life gets hard. I do have a red bird that is feeding from my bird feeder as I am writing to you today. This is my God Wink. Although my dad is not physically here to help my troubles seem small, I know he is another angel around God’s Throne to comfort me. 

We have all lost someone. Maybe it isn’t a parent but a mentor that you have looked up to. I encourage you to listen to “Jealous Of The Angels” by Donna Taggart. Be reminded that you are never alone. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah. Thank You and Your angels for comforting my fears through all of life’s troubles. May Your rod and Your staff guide and comfort me when the fear becomes too much. You know the need today. I surrender all my fears to You in holy surrender. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭27‬:‭3‬ ‭NIV – Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.‬‬

Do you still have what-if scenarios lingering today? As I write to you today from my bird sanctuary I am reminded that if God takes care of the birds, He will take care of me. Thank You, God, for this beautiful God Wink. Proverbs tells us that we should guard our hearts because everything flows from them (Proverbs 4:23). In today’s key verse from David we are reminded that no matter what is going on around us, we have control over our hearts. 

Guarding our hearts isn’t an option but rather a must. Each of us is responsible for his or her own boundaries and what is allowed in and out. Imagine building a guard around your heart and your thoughts. That guard is the barrier that God’s word builds over time of studying and sitting in His word. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, Thank You for Your word that acts as a barrier around my heart and thoughts. I ask that You help guard my heart and thoughts as I go about my day. I pray that I can keep the fear from taking control. No matter what war is raging around me, I know that I can do all things through You who strengthens me. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭41‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭NIV‬ — For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Do not be afraid, you worm Jacob, little Israel, do not fear, for I myself will help you,” declares the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.

How did transforming your perspective go? It is OK if you still have what-ifs. This is only natural for us to think about all the scenarios. Maybe your what-ifs are because you don’t feel worthy of God’s call. In today’s key verse, we read that the Lord is our Redeemer. I will be transparent in telling you that often my what-ifs stem from feeling unworthy and underqualified. Reading God’s word today brings me to tears. 

Repeat after me: You, Lord, are my Redeemer. I am worthy of the call you have for me.

We must not forget that our call is very personal. We must not allow our what-ifs lead to thinking someone else should be called. What scenarios are leaving you gripped with fear? Remember that God will help you and equip you. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, Thank You for Your redeeming love. Help me to see that I am worthy of Your call over me. Help me not to focus on what others are called to do. Help me to see that Your call is personal to me and equip me to do Your perfect will. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.