Read: Proverbs 29:25 TPT
Fear and intimidation is a trap that holds you back. But when you place your confidence in the Lord, you will be seated in the high place.
I have had a love–hate relationship with fear for most of my life. It sounds weird to love fear but when I think about how long I have let it control me, you would think I love it – otherwise wouldn’t I have let it go by now? But it’s not that easy, is it?
Fear is a powerful feeling. I have known people who pass out when they get bloodwork done. I have a fear so strong when crossing a long or high bridge that I get dizzy. Not the best state of mind to be in while driving. I feel like some driving force (no pun intended) might cause me to fall off the bridge. There have been times when I was driving, and an unexpected bridge or overpass came into sight and I had no choice but to drive over it. I recognize it is an irrational fear, but my husband will tell you that his hand, now sweaty and broken, may beg to differ.
God recognizes how difficult fear is. He has mentioned the topic of not fearing 365 times in the Bible. There is no irony in that. He impresses on us to not fear every day of our life. In saying that, then one must know that fear is not of God. So why does something God does not want us to experience still rob us of our joy?
First it’s important to recognize where fear comes from. We may demonstrate a physical response in the anxiety it causes us, which may feel very real, but fear is not real. Fear is Satan, fear is a liar, and fear is a trap. Satan wants nothing better than to have us rely on him rather than God. I know, I don’t rely on Satan, but when you think about it, that is exactly what we do if we allow fear to control us.
Instead, we must listen to what God says in the Bible, what He so desperately wants us to know. Fear not. We must conquer fear if we want to live the life God has intended for us. Whatever your fear is, begin to put your trust in God today. Don’t give Satan the satisfaction of knowing he has control over you.
You may wonder how your fear relates to God’s plan in your life. You may be thinking, what does my fear of bridges have to do with living the life God has intended for me. Well, God has chosen me to serve others in all parts of the county. That involves driving over a lot of bridges! Do I still struggle? Yes, but I know where fear comes from, and it will not stop me from living the mission He has for me. I will cross all the bridges in my path. Won’t you join me and leave fear in the rearview mirror?
