Overcome By Fear

Fear drives out faith, and overwhelming fear withdraws faith’s invitation to Jesus. Indeed, Jesus is a gentleman, so He does not tarry where He is not trusted. He will not remain where He is not wanted and He does not negotiate to be needed. Faith is exhausted in the face of overwhelming fear. This is especially true when your chronic fear relates to money. Money, more than anything, can make you myopic to faith in God. You get so consumed by the crises of current affairs that you forget your anchor in Almighty God. Money, or the lack of it, may be what’s killing you. However, money is a symptom of something else beneath the surface of your fear. Money is not the answer; Jesus is the dependable security you desire.

Do not dismiss prayer and patience just because you feel out of control. This is when you are tempted to behave like an atheist. You say you believe in God, He is in control and you trust Him, but your behavior betrays your beliefs. You act like an unbeliever when your actions marginalize your Master. Indeed, it is when the bottom falls out that faith in the Lord needs to be your mainstay. “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). This is when you need Him the most, so be wise and ask Jesus, the gentleman, to remain with you when all hell breaks loose.

Satan loves to see you alone. He wants you to battle Him in your own strength. He wins when Jesus is run off and fear drives you into irrational action. Fear keeps you looking over your shoulder in doubt. And all the while, your Savior is right beside you, waiting to be your calming force. Take the time to tarry in trust with the One who is totally trustworthy. Do not drive Him away in denial. Rise up from under the load of your languishing condition and come to Christ. Look to Christ for perspective and patience. Don’t panic. Exercise your overwhelming fear by faith. Place it on the shelf of self-denial, and surrender to your Savior.

Now is your opportunity to stand firmly and courageously in Christ. Do not run Him off, for He will only stay where He is wanted. Talk is easy, but your walk with Him is what matters most. He desires an authentic and teachable heart. He can do this for you by faith.  So let these uncertain times embolden you and strengthen your beliefs. Go deeper with Jesus during desperate days. He is a gentleman waiting for your invitation to stay and not go away.

When fear attacks, be comforted by Christ’s confidence and warm embrace. Say with David, “The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear?” (Psalm 27: 1). Furthermore, be real with those around you. Some of them have gone before you; learn from them. Trust them as a resource, for fear is flattened by the faith of friends. Trust them and Him. Fear flees in the face of faithfulness, so escort the fear of failure out the door. Above all else, be strengthened by faith’s reassurance, not weakened by the fear of financial loss.

Taken from March 25th reading in the 365-day devotional book, “Seeking Daily the Heart of God”… http://bit.ly/bQHNIE

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