The Futility of Fear
There are times in all of our lives that we choose to operate from a position of fear. These are always circumstantially driven and left unchecked end in disaster. It sure seems to me today that far too many people today are operating in a position of fear.
What do I do when I’m afraid?
The word of God is replete with words against fear. A quick google search most commonly shows that there are 365 “fear nots” in the Bible (one for each day of the year) but the truth is there are far many more than that. Regardless of the actual number it is clear that God warns us against the notion of fear. In the book of Psalms David wrote his confession to God when he said …
“When I am afraid, I will put my trust in you.”
—Psalm 56:3
David understood where to turn when he was afraid. Notice that he was active not passive. It is most often through those times of fear and trial that our faith grows the most. God uses adversity to more fully develop a stronger faith within us.
For just a moment, think back to a time that seemed so dark you could not imagine any possible way out? Now remember the ways that God sustained you. Remember that God does not always give us exactly what we’re asking for, but He will do what is best for us.
God is sufficient to handle everything in life
and our responsibility is to trust that He will.
God is gracious, generous, and good. Remembering this and allowing yourself to rest in the character of God will help you through your weaknesses and through times of fear.
“Be anxious in nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
—Philippians 4:6-7
The simple truth is this: Faith and Fear cannot co-exist. One of the two will control you. Fear will drive you, but faith will direct you. In every situation we make the choice to fret or focus, to complain or conquer, to be anxious or to be assured. Too much time and energy are given to things that will never be under our control.
Every time you are afraid or faced with adversity, use that as an opportunity to grow in your faith. Keep in mind that even though it may not seem like it at the time, God will never send a difficulty your way that is too big for Him to handle in you. The Bible says,
“No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also,
so that you will be able to endure it.”
— 1 Corinthians 10:13
What is our responsibility in the face of fear?
We have the opportunity to be proactive with our faith. In other words, we must busy ourselves with those things we can control. We can be more fully engaged in those actions, attitudes, and activities that proclaim faith. Ask yourself this question,
Are my actions and words displaying faith or are they depicting fear?
All of us have at our disposal the truth that faith means action. James wrote,
faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.”
Show me your faith without deeds,
and I will show you my faith by my deeds.
— James 2:17-18
Each one of us has the responsibility to trust the process that God has given us, be diligent in our actions to follow God’s plan, deliberate in our trust, and determined to leave the results in His hands. As long as I can honestly say, I have fought the fight and I have run the race set before me, we will be certain that Faith overcomes the fears.
Fear leads to faith and faith leads to freedom!