In the thunderous seas of life, where the winds of change constantly shift, it is not uncommon for fear to grip the heart. Fear of the unknown, fear of failure, and fear of stepping out of our comfort zones can immobilize us, keeping us from making the changes necessary for our growth and progression. However, as Christians, we are encouraged to face our fears with faith, trusting in God’s plan and drawing on His strength for courage. Today, I want to give you four biblical action points to help bridge the gap between fear and faith, empowering you to make significant progress in your life.
Remember God’s Faithfulness in the Past. In the narrative of Joshua 4:6-7, the Israelites are instructed to create a memorial from twelve stones, taken from the Jordan River, to serve as a lasting reminder of God’s mighty act of stopping the river’s flow, allowing them to cross on dry land. This historic instance of divine intervention was meant to be recounted and remembered by future generations. Similarly, by setting up personal “stones of remembrance” in our lives, be it through journaling significant instances where we felt God’s guiding hand, collecting tangible mementos that remind us of His provision, or simply pausing to reflect on moments of divine intervention, we create anchors that tether us to the reality of God’s enduring faithfulness. These memorials are potent tools against fear, grounding us in the truth that God has been with us in our past and will not forsake us in our future challenges.
Seek God’s Peace to Overcome Anxiety. Change inevitably brings anxiety. However, the Bible tells us not to be anxious about anything but in everything; by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. The peace of God is a powerful antidote to fear.
Tell God what you need and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus” – Philippians 4:6-7.
Approaching God with a heart full of gratitude and openly sharing your concerns, desires, and fears not only shifts the focus from our problem but also invites God’s supernatural peace into our lives.
This peace is a protective shield around the heart and mind, providing a sense of calm and assurance in Christ amidst life’s turmoil and uncertainties. Engaging in this spiritual practice transforms anxiety into a pathway to experiencing God’s heartfelt peace.
Walk by Faith, Not by Sight. As encouraged in 2 Corinthians 5:7, this involves an unwavering commitment to trust God and His sovereignty over our lives. It means boldly relying on God’s promises, even when our current situation appears unsettling or the future seems uncertain. This faith-driven approach requires us to lean not on our understanding but to seek God’s will in all things, confident that He is leading us towards His best for our lives. By surrendering our fears, anxieties, and plans to God, we open our hearts to receive His guidance, strength, and peace, enabling us to move forward with courage and assurance, irrespective of what we can physically see. This act of faith deepens our relationship with God. It empowers us to live boldly in the face of life’s trials, secure in the knowledge that we are guided by our all-knowing Creator, who sees the outcome of our faithfulness.
Be Strong and Courageous.
This is my command – be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” – Joshua 1:9.
To truly embody strength and courage as commanded in Joshua 1:9, it is crucial to cultivate a deep, personal relationship with God through prayer, meditation on His Word, and active participation in a faith community. These spiritual disciplines help to fortify our hearts with God’s truth, making us resilient in the face of adversity. We are reminded of God’s past faithfulness by embedding His Word in our hearts, which bolsters our confidence in His future promises. And as we engage in fellowship with other believers, we are encouraged by their testimonies and supported by their prayers, providing additional strength to face challenges courageously. Knowing that we do not stand alone – that God is with us and has provided a community of faith to walk alongside us – empowers us to step forward in faith, conquer our fears, and pursue God’s calling on our lives with unwavering courage and conviction.
Remember that overcoming fear and making changes requires a deep-rooted faith in God. It’s about leaning on His strength, recalling His past faithfulness, seeking His peace, walking by faith, and trusting in His presence. The Christian life is a journey of faith, a path where God’s steadfast love and power overcome fear. May these biblical principles guide you as you face your fears and make those changes, big or small, knowing that all things are possible with God.