Several days ago, the stock market plummeted. Banks are in trouble. Big time companies like AIG are being bailed out by our federal government. What does this do to American spending?
More than likely, it instills a bit of fear in us.
Just like my experience on Monday with a complete stranger entering my house and trying to open windows – I felt fear.
Fear comes in many forms. And, if we allow it, it will govern us. We won’t give tithes or offerings, because we are fearful there won’t be enough money left over. We stop letting our children play outside, because we are afraid of mentally disturbed neighbors approaching. We don’t want to commit in a relationship, because we have fears of getting hurt again. We don’t apply for that job, because we’ve been rejected before. What if we are turned down again? We live a life filled with anxiety, because we fear losing control.
When we let these fears govern us, we become victims and not victors. We forget who we are in Christ. And, we operate in fear instead of faith. And, not only do we fail to live the life He has called us to live, but we fail to live in Him.
As a matter of fact, Satan uses fear to keep you from God’s best. Uh huh. Sure does. Proverbs 12:25 says “an anxious heart weighs a man down.” How can we be all that God wants us to be, and how can we enjoy His very best for us when fear and anxiety govern us?
Let’s take those fears and surrender them to our Heavenly Father. Let’s give our worries to Him. And, not take them back. How do we do this?
Scripture is pretty clear. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
Are your finances causing you to live in fear? Your children? Do you fear failure? Is fear governing your life – your decisions – instead of obedience to Him? Instead of His promises?
What do you fear? Take that fear and nail it to the cross. Go to Him in prayer. And, let the peace of God that passes all understanding flood your heart and mind. Give it to Him. And, don’t take it back.
You know…this is one of those things I think I’m rid of, and then it will raise its ugly head once again! And I’m not really a fearful person.
Great thoughts, Dusty. I so agree with you.
And I missed you yesterday 🙂
A couple of weeks ago I basically had a mental breakdown. I had all of these fears and anxieties mounting up with work and my kids and my schedule and our finances and I exploded all over my poor husband. PTL we have an awesome line of communication and he talked me down into reality and gave me some scripture and good advice on how to better manage my time and to realize that in God I can do all things and the He will never give me more than I can handle. I laid everything on the cross that night and my attitude and well-being has been totally changed ever since. All of this weight has been lifted and I feel no fear or anxiety. I have so much less stress it is unbelievable. God is so good.
Whooaa! Fear is a biggie, it slips up on you, and sometimes don’t recognize it as fear…..sometimes the emotions are sooo out there, then other times, it is hidden, under anger. This is a big battle in my life, disquised pretty good at times, not so good at other times! But I usually go to the word, pray, or get prayer, depends where the fear is coming from. If it is blinding me, where I can’t get peace…..i run to God! Great blog Dusty!
Well Grasshopper…..seems that the Lord is giving you lots of sermon illustrations…that is how you will redeem all those little life experiences that come your way…fear is an enemy to our faith for sure but we are victors and not victims!!!!!!!!
When it comes to banking……Have no Fear, Dennis Black and Bank of America are here!!!!!
hope you are right about bank of america !!!!!!!
As Yoda would say;
Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering