Fear.

So, it's been a while since I've posted anything, and to be perfectly honest, blogging isn't something that comes naturally to me. Like, I guess I'd rather write out my thoughts in a private journal as opposed to all over the web (then I don't have to worry about grammar and spelling as much either, ha).
BUT God's really been laying this topic on my heart and writing it on here allows it to benefit more than just me.

A wise person once said,
"Action cures fear, while indecision and postponement, on the other hand, fertilizes it."

F.E.A.R.

In the Bible, the phrase "Do not fear" or similar is written 365 times. God's reminder for us each day to not be afraid. Somehow, though, it seems that the church is missing this point, or it hasn't fully gotten absorbed. Anxiety, stress, nervousness- all of that is rooted in fear.  Fear that I'm not going to get my work done. Fear that I'm going to fail a test. Fear that I won't be good enough. Fear that I'm going to fail, or fail again, Fear of the future.

The list goes on and on...

The sad reality is that fear is crippling the lives of believers, who are called to not live in fear! "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of POWER and of LOVE and of a SOUND MIND (2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV)." What if characters of the Bible such as David, Moses, or Noah were too afraid to act on what God told them to do? Of course they were naturally afraid (who wouldn't be, facing a 9 foot giant), but acting in spite of their fear and relying on God is what allowed them do accomplish great things for the Lord. These people trusted in the promises of God, and that He was going to be there for them. Their FAITH overcame their FEAR, and that is what made them heros of the Bible.  I don't like to beat around the bush, so to get to the point, fear is rooted in the doubt that God will really do what He said He would do. Acting despite fear, however, builds faith.

"What!? That's not true! Of course I believe that God will come through on His Word! I have faith in God!"

That's what you're thinking, right? I'm not saying you don't. I'm just saying, if you're constantly worried and afraid, maybe that's something that you need to work out with God. This doesn't just apply to facing giants, but the little things in life too. "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life (Matt 6:27)?"

I realize that this is a deep topic, that can't fully be covered by one short blog post. However, I just want to encourage you to PRAY next time you are starting to worry about a situation or event. If you are a His child, God's got your back. He IS faithful.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 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 (Phil. 4:6-7)."