One of the most common struggles for Christians is fear. Fear is almost always related to something in the future that you anticipate will be a disaster. 

Most of the fears that we have are about things that will never happen. 

Most of our fears are things we have made up in our minds that are worst case scenarios and have almost no chance of happening. 

I have seen people make a wreck out of their lives, businesses, churches, marriages, kids and major life decisions because they chose to place faith in some version of the future that God never intended or promised.

Fear is really about being a “practical atheist.” 

Saying “I believe in Jesus Christ” and “I don’t think he will take care of me in the future” is a massive contradiction. 

God has not only promised salvation,

but he has promised your provision.

He has promised to be with you in all the ups and downs of life. 

Fear is an emotional state that

is based on false information

(usually made up)

and a future without a loving

and true God.

But, here is the good news! You don’t need to carry guilt and shame about all of your fears. Jesus died on the cross for that. 

Instead move your focus from your fears to your God!

1.) Be curious about your fears.

2.) Ask yourself good logical questions about these fears.

3.) Bring these fears to God. 

Psalm 27 shows us how.

1 The Lord is my light and my salvation;

  whom shall I fear?

The Lord is the stronghold of my life;

  of whom shall I be afraid?

In verse 1 we see a declaration of faith and worship.

2 When evildoers assail me

  to eat up my flesh,

my adversaries and foes,

  it is they who stumble and fall.

3 Though an army encamp against me,

  my heart shall not fear;

though war arise against me,

  yet I will be confident.

In verses 2-3 we have 2 self announcements about confidence in God.

4 One thing have I asked of the Lord,

  that will I seek after:

that I may dwell in the house of the Lord

  all the days of my life,

to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord

  and to inquire in his temple.

5 For he will hide me in his shelter

  in the day of trouble;

he will conceal me under the cover of his tent;

  he will lift me high upon a rock.

In verse 4-5 we see the movement of the heart from focusing on fear to focus on God.

Homework: 

Take 15 minutes before God bringing the real fears of your life to Him. He wants to walk with you in this!

Grace and peace,

Pastor Harvey