Are you facing frightening circumstances? Do you feel helpless to change things? Maybe you can empathize with the Israelites who found themselves hemmed in between the Red Sea and the Egyptians pursuing them in chariots (Exodus 14). Maybe you can emotionally relate to King Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 20) who learned of the approaching horde of men from Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir bent on destroying him and his people.
Fear can make you wonder if you will survive. You become terrified and paralyzed, unable to take significant action that could ultimately help you.
When your find yourself filled with fear, remember these three suggestions:
- Don’t wait for your fears to go away
- Believe God is with you
- Watch what only God can do
Don’t wait for your fears to go away
Don’t wish or wait for the fear-inducing conditions to disappear. Instead, steep yourself in Scripture that speak of strength and courage. For instance, when God directed Joshua to lead the Hebrew children into the Promise Land, God repeatedly commanded him to be strong and of good courage (Joshua 1). Surround yourself with prayer warriors and people who encourage you in your battle.
Believe God is with you
Cling to Christ during alarming times, and if he is calling you to action, then step out in faith. Faith doesn’t require that you know what will happen but rather that you trust God to be with you. Or, as Proverbs 3:5-12 in The Message states:
Trust GOD from the bottom of your heart;
don’t try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for GOD’S voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
he’s the one who will keep you on track.
Don’t assume that you know it all.
Run to GOD! Run from evil!
Your body will glow with health,
your very bones will vibrate with life!
Watch what only God can do
So many times in seemingly impossible situations you have no clue what God can or will do. Could the Israelites imagine that God would part the Red Sea and allow them to walk across on dry ground? Could King Jehoshaphat foresee, before God spoke, that the army of the Israelites would not have to go into battle?
There comes a time when you have to trust God and lean on him. This is often when there is no other way out. Or when you reach the end of your human strength and resources. A time where you take your fears to him, seek his guidance and listen closely.
Whatever your frightening situation, perhaps you lost your job, health, or husband, as a follower of Jesus Christ, be assured that God is with you. He is working behind the scenes for your good—no matter how scary things look right now.
I need to hear/read this over and over.
I’ve sure found it to be true. Thanks for your comment Betty.