Overcoming Fearનમૂનો

THE ROCK

While I wish I had a problem-free philosophy, there isn’t actually a promise in the Bible of a problem-free life. But Jesus did give us the secret to beat the storms of life. Storms on the outside don’t have to shake us on the inside. In Matthew 7:24-27, Jesus compares those who apply His word and those who only hear it. The thing that strikes me is that both groups encounter the same storm. The difference isn’t the storm they face but in how much the storm affects them - in the same way as facing a storm in a tent or in a house differs. While the weather outside may be the same, in the house, it loses its power over me. God wants us to be solid and secure, no matter what the circumstances around us are.

I recently had a few conversations about martyrs. One person was dealing with fear at the idea. In the same week, I talked to a pastor who had gone into a meeting where he was asked to make a video for his family beforehand in case he got killed for his faith. The pastor was in far more danger but had less fear. Why? Because the pastor was looking to Jesus, looking to eternity. Death lost its power and sting. In Hebrews 12:1-2 Jesus endured the cross looking for His reward. When we look to the Lord, these things lose their power.

In Matthew Chapter 6, we are told to focus on and store up treasure in heaven. He goes on telling us not to worry about our life, what we will eat, drink, wear, and so on. He says we can only live for one master. Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

As Moses, Joshua, and Gideon all faced fear, God’s instructions were, I WILL BE WITH YOU. When we face fear, God’s invitation is to fix our eyes on Him. He said He won't leave us or forsake us. Casting our cares on Him looks like putting our trust in Him. (1 Peter 5:7 ESV) It’s hard not to pray and then go back to pick up the cares we just prayed about. Let’s paraphrase 1 Peter 5:6-9. Verse 6 tells us to humble ourselves. Stop thinking it's all about us and our strength. Verse 7 says to put our trust in Him because He loves us. In 1 Peter 5:8, it says to watch out for the enemy who tries to destroy us and, in 1 Peter 5:9, to resist him. Don’t let the lies and attacks of the enemy fill your heart. Place your trust in the Lord, fix your eyes on Him, and let Him give you peace, even in the middle of our storms.