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HOW can we say goodbye to fear and instead have faith?
If you’re a Christian woman trying to navigate through the trenches of fear in your own life, I can’t wait to walk through some scripture together. We have so much to gain as we draw close to the Lord. Ready?
Move in Close
Draw nigh to the Lord and He will draw nigh to you. James 4:8
Recently we chatted about living in fear as Christian women, and what it looks like to love the Lord yet feel afraid. If you haven’t already, read that here. As promised, we want to further discover what life looks like when yield to the scripture we find in Psalms and we trust the Lord through our fear. Psalm 56:3 When I am afraid I will trust in thee.
Joy
As we abide in Christ, we find His joy overflowing from our hearts and voices. It’s not difficult for me to again place myself in our little car traveling down one of our city’s most occupied roads on the way to the funeral home with clothing for the undertakers to put on my sweet father in-law’s corpse. Oh how we loved him. His sudden death shocking us to our core and leaving us broken and grieving. I’ve mentioned it before, but my husband’s quiet refrain softly began singing out, “In moments like these, I sing out a song, I sing out a love song to Jesus…” It was a beautiful, joyful moment of praise and worship.
You see, when we put our trust in the Lord, He fills our heart with joy. Even when life is far from happy, and even when we are afraid, there’s a supernatural transformation from our fear to His joy when we submit ourselves to Him. It really does work just like that; if we want more joy, the answer is always more Jesus!
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. Therefore my heart rejoices, and I praise Him with my song. Psalm 28:7
Truth
Do you know that song, Fear is a Liar by Zach Williams?
Fear, he is a liar
He will take your breath
Stop you in your steps
Fear he is a liar
He will rob your rest
Steal your happiness
Cast your fear in the fire
‘Cause fear he is a liar
You know what that is? Truth. It’s truth. Another way we trade fear for faith is by listening to truth instead of our fear-he is a liar. Even better than that is listening to THE Truth. Jesus is THE truth.
Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. John 14:6
Christian, this is exciting! When we know Christ, we have THE living truth as we abide and trust in Him. If you’re anything like me, you open your mind way too often for the lies to come rushing in. I don’t even have to repeat what they sound like, but they often start with, “You’re not…” “No-one else…” “I can’t believe…” So, let’s not belabor the point of knowing all too well what the lies sound like, yet let us stop the lies-the liar inside our heads. I AM waits for us to turn to Him. He is able. Joy and truth are worthy choices in a life that is filled with fearful circumstances. Trading our fear for faith means we manifest the Lord’s joy and truth as we strive after more Jesus.
Praise
If I were a betting woman, I would bet my life savings (hahaha) that most of you saw praise and thought singing or songs. Am I right? We are learning bit by bit what Scripture has to share with us about trading our fear for faith. First of all in Psalms 56:3 we determine to trust in thee.: WHEN I am afraid, I WILL TRUST in THEE. Almost have to capitalize every word of that verse. We will be afraid. We have a choice. Trust in thee. Therein lies the beginning of unfolding our faith and casting away our fears. Praise. As we have talked about already, singing unto the Lord is good; we should sing out to the Lord. We need to go back to Psalm 56 to learn more about praise.
When I am afraid,
I put my trust in you.
In God, whose word I praise,
in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.
What can flesh do to me? (Psalm 56:3–4)
Rewind: Praise God’s WORD!
Did you catch that? In God, whose WORD I PRAISE. David was afraid, and he had good reason to be. We can sign praise to God, but oh what an amazing practice for our soul to praise His Word. The thought is repeated just a few verses later, verse 10: In God will I praise his word: in the LORD will I praise his word. It goes, should go, without saying, in order to praise God’s Word we have to know His Word. For those of us who are not new Believers, we probably have some passages or verses in the Bible that we know and love. I wonder if you’d share some of yours with us? I would love if you would. Also, in sticking with the truth of, more joy, more Jesus, we all need to find a way to spend more time getting to know Him through His Word. I will praise His Word!
Meditate
Slow down. Why does it seem the times in life we actually slow down usually coincide with unfavorable circumstances? Is that true of your own experiences, too? Depending on how old you are, I bet you can recall how quickly things changed one September morning. When word came into my classroom that bright sunny day known now to all as 9-11, before any of us had time to wrap our heads around it all, our world was changing quick, fast and in a hurry. Following the nation’s heartache, chaos would give way to an abrupt halt to life as we knew it. Even if not spoken, each of us wondered if life would ever be the same, if we’d be able to get through, and if so, could we come back from a tragedy like this.
On a more intimate scale, isn’t it the same when we personally go through a crisis in our own home, family or life? When our head starts spinning out of control and our hearts sink in despair, we need to catch ourselves but for a moment long enough to hold onto God’s truth and set ourselves right there for however long it takes.
On a more intimate scale, isn’t it the same when we personally go through a crisis in our own home, family or life? When our head starts spinning out of control and our hearts sink in despair, we need to catch ourselves but for a moment long enough to hold onto God’s truth and set ourselves right there for however long it takes. In troubled times our wisest choice as we let go of fear and trade faith in its place is to mediate day and night on God’s Word and on His mighty works. There is none like God!
I will meditate on Your precepts and think about Your ways. I will delight in Your statues. I will not forget Your word. Psalm 119:15-16
I am awake through each watch of the night to meditate on Your promise. Psalm 119:148
Think, think, think
As a man thinks so he believes. Our brain is a powerful source to be reckoned with. Over the years, I’ve read in different articles that our brains will believe what we tell ourselves is truth-even when it isn’t. Then, it’s easy to understand why the Lord Himself told us to be careful in this area. I love the way the verses in Philippians outline what is profitable, what is peaceable for our thought process.
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 if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. Philippians 4:8
In my opinion, there’s not a more impactful verse for our lives and it’s worth committing it to memory. Our thoughts embody control in over our actions, choices and behavior. Knowing this to be true, we, therefore, can understand that fear begins with our thoughts. It’s time, friends, it’s time for you and I to spend more time thinking (watching, listening to, reading…) things which are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, good and virtuous. What a game changer!
Comfort
What does a loving mom do instinctively when her child is afraid? She scoops up that one she loves with her whole being and wraps her arms around him. Doesn’t she? Because when someone we love is upset or afraid, we do our best to comfort him or her. Guess what? God is the same with each of us who belong to Him! We really can tangibly trade our fear for faith, because there is no greater comfort than that which comes from the God of all comfort! Why fear with the supernatural comfort of God is in the business of comforting us through all- all- our troubles?
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ overflow to us, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. 2 Corinthians 1:3-5
Assurance
What are you sure of? You wouldn’t have the time to read through the things I was sure of when I was a younger woman. But, praise the Lord, the more I grow in Him, the more He allows me to more I how much I don’t know. Frankly, I’m not sure of too much. Yet this one thing I know, God is faithful. He is worthy of my trust. Take that fear and trade it for faith, because He is worthy of your trust, too. Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine: of this I am sure.
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1
Contentment
In these few verses so far, we have seen what God has to offer us as we trade our fears for faith. Paul tells of his trials throughout the New Testament. He faced circumstances we likely never will and he learned his contentment in life was not dependent on what was going on around him, to him, but his contentment was secure in the person of Jesus Christ. This is not to minimize our own fears, for like puppy love, our fears are very real to us. And, God is far greater than any of our fears. There is sweet wisdom and safety as we turn away from our fear and trade it for faith, and learning to be content in the moment, knowing this too shall pass and God is near, is what we need. Godliness with contentment is great gain, my friends.
…I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. Philippians 4:11
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. I Timothy 6:6-8
Safety
One of our favorite new pastimes is birdwatching. It is easy to be enamored with the plethora of birds in southwest Florida. I wonder just how many species of them there are around here. As I sit on my lanai, I am guaranteed to see several of them from ones that fit in my hand to others that are as tall as I am. Atop the light poles along the streets sit enormous nests. It is common to see the Ospreys fly with either home building essentials in their talons or fresh meals for their littles. Airplanes, cars, bigger birds, traffic, prey on the ground-none of it matters when this feathered friend’s goal is taking care of her own.
Safety and Protection
Isn’t it great to realize the creator and caretaker of the birds of the air loves us and takes care of us? We are safe in Him. Though our fears try to destroy us, the truth is the one who created us is in charge. He is for us, loves us and cares for us. We are safe as we dwell with Him. His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Psalm 91:4
Hope
Without hope we cease to live, even when we are still alive. For a second, just picture yourself sitting across the table with me (I’ve spent many precious hours doing just this with friends and new friends for so many years). I want you to shut out everything else for just this minute. Sister, when we belong to the Lord there is always, always, always hope. No matter what circumstances are surrounding us, there is hope, without exception. Believe it! Come with me to the Lord.
What is hope? According to dictionary.com, Hope is (verb) to believe, desire, or trust. In other words: anticipate, assume, believe, cherish, count on, expect and hold. Where is your darkest hour right now? Your marriage? Struggles with a child? A poor diagnosis? Loss of job? The fear of losing your home? Watching a love one battle cancer, or lose that battle? Is there any hope through all of this?
Yes! There is hope
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romas 15:13
In our despair, we are tempted to lose hope. Every time, the evil one will fill our head with lies and find a weak point with the goal of invading our heart with hopelessness. But God is the God of hope. Not only hope, He is able, and wants to, fill our hearts with all joy and peace as we believe in Him.
Hope is what we need most
In the darkest valley, Friends, hope is what we need most. You and I have access to hope abounding as we believe in the God of hope! In fact, scripture says we may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. We feel hopeless when we try to figure out and depend on our own thoughts of what is or is not possible, but like salvation (and every afore mentioned manifestation of faith in Jesus) it isn’t something we can do apart from the Holy Spirit. We need Jesus! Nothing is impossible for God; what have we to fear?
What have we to fear?
One of my husband’s favorite songs is by Vince Gill, and it’s called Threaten Me with Heaven. If you have time, go listen to it and be encouraged.
Remember
Memories are important and implicating in our lives. Bad memories, well, we don’t have to really talk about the ill-impact they’re capable in our lives. But the sweet ones, oh how they carry us warmly through good times and bad. Already we can remember who God is and what He has for His children just in this little glimpse into God’s Word. But it’s worth it to take the time to intentionally remember God’s unfailing love, sufficient grace, unending mercy and faithfulness to His promises.
Journal God’s Goodness in your life!
Again, I encourage you to keep a journal. God is the same, never changing, God. Yet, in your life and mine, He will show up in different ways and different times. YOU need to remember Him in these very personal ways, and I do, too. When we find ourselves in trouble, when we are fearful, when we think doomsday has come, we remember who God is and what He has done in our lives already. Last time, remember the last time you were feeling anxious and upset, when life seemed like there was no way to both trust God and get through the hardship facing you? He is still God; consider the work of His hands in your life and throughout scripture. Be amazed.
I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your works; I consider the work of Your hands. Psalm 143:5
Peace
The world promises its peace, Where trouble melts like lemon drops… there is peace somewhere over the rainbow. A few drops of essential oils…there is peace coming out of a diffuser. Calgon? Simplify your home for a calm and peaceful life. Buy promised stock for financial peace. Better paying job gives peace. Get married, get divorced for peace. Graduate college with a new degree. Work out more. Eat better. And on and on the list of peace by way of the world goes. While, at times, any one of these ideas could be good advice, none of them individually or collectively can offer true peace in our lives.
Not like the world’s Peace
The peace we long for doesn’t come from anything the world has to offer. Our hearts and souls ache for the peace only God can bring us. Fear fights with faith, but God’s peace transcends all understanding. As brothers and sisters in Christ, we don’t have to be afraid. As our fear is traded for faith, by abiding in Christ, God’s peace is His promise and gift to us.
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27
I love how this verse reads in the NIV: “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.
Prayer
I’m not one to script a prayer, typically. I encourage you to submit to God and be still. The Holy Spirit will guide your prayers. Prayer is the way of communication to the Lord and we can be free to come to Him in prayer at any and all times. When we have personal business to take care of between just us and our God, He waits for us. As we consider each point discussed here, prayer is our gateway to the Lord. Prayer is our winning strategy against fear. Fatih comes by believing. Prayer paves the path for our faith.
Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6
This is Faith, not Fear
We are responsible for our part, submit, abide, pray, believe… God has and will always fulfill His promises toward as we wait on eternity in heaven, which is our greatest hope! We know we should not live afraid. Scripture teaches us to have faith, not fear. We have so much good in Christ to behold. As we choose to live abiding in Christ, He will manifest His supernatural blessings only He has to give. We choose Him. He overwhelms us with His goodness! This is faith, not fear!
1. Change our proximity: Get Close to God
Draw nigh to the Lord and He will draw nigh to you. James 4:8
2. Joy comes from the LORD
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. Therefore my heart rejoices, and I praise Him with my song. Psalm 28:7
3. THE Truth is Jesus
Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. John 14:6
4. Praise His Word, (read His Word!)
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me? Psalm 56:3-4
5. Meditate, Linger in the Lord’s Presence
I will meditate on Your precepts and think about Your ways. I will delight in Your statues. I will not forget Your word. Psalm 119:15-16
I am awake through each watch of the night to meditate on Your promise. Psalm 119:148
6. Comfort & Compassion in our troubles: receive it & share it
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ overflow to us, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. 2 Corinthians 1:3-5
7. Assurance, the sure thing is faith.
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1
8. Contentment is both learned & a choice.
…I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. Philippians 4:11
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. I Timothy 6:6-8
9. Safety with the Lord and from the Lord
He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Psalm 91:4
10. Hope: FULL and overflowing
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romas 15:13
11. Remember, remember, remember
I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your works; I consider the work of Your hands. Psalm 143:5
12. Peace is found only in Jesus
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27
I love how this verse reads in the NIV: I am leaving you with a gift of peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.
13. Prayer instead of worry
Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6
When you feel alone
With Jesus, we are never alone, but sometimes we FEEL as if we are. Please reach out to a godly girlfriend, pastor or if no-one else, email me at hello@agirlinthemiddle dot com and I will respond and pray with you.
