Fear can seem innocent because we are concerned for our needs and future, but we must remember that God commands us to not fear. Fear brings us further from God, while faith brings us closer to Him. Don’t make fear a habit.
Fear can seem so normal to us when we’ve tolerated it for so long.
I’ve always been one to worry, and the cycle started happening again the moment we moved to our very own place. I was happy that God opened the door for us to rent a nice home at the location we’ve always wanted, but instead of enjoying the home, I found myself worrying about how the bills would be paid each month.
This constant thought of “what if we don’t have enough for next month’s rent” continued to torment me until God finally dealt with my heart during alone time with Him.
God revealed to me that my fears and “what-ifs” were only pulling me away from His presence. He reminded me that in order for Jesus to dwell in my heart, I must let fear out and faith in. Ephesians 3:17 says, “…that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.” Jesus can only dwell in us through faith. Fear tells us that God isn’t for us, but faith says that God is always for us.
When we remember how much we are loved by God, we will never live in fear. God reminds us that we can either serve Him or money. We will never have peace serving money because money can’t save us. When we serve God however, we know that He is almighty and will always come through for us.
Jesus says in Matthew 6:24-25, “‘No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?’”
This verse says we can’t serve both God and money, and then it says do not worry about your life. This implies that worrying means we are serving money. A sign to know if we are truly serving God is when we don’t worry. God later says in Matthew 6:32-33, ”’For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.’”
God here calls himself Father because He wants us to know that just as a good father takes care of his children, God too is a good Father who takes care of us. Like any father, God doesn’t want His children living in worry.
Isaiah 46:3-4 says, “Listen to me, descendants of Jacob, all you who remain in Israel. I have cared for you since you were born. Yes, I carried you before you were born. I will be your God throughout your lifetime— until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you.”
How comforting is it to know that we have a God who actually cares for us. Let us be like the Proverbs 31 women who is clothed with strength and dignity, and laughs without fear of the future (Proverbs 31:25). This Proverbs 31 woman is clothed with strength and dignity because she knows she is a child of God. She knows her place in God’s heart, therefore, she laughs without fear of the future, knowing her heavenly Father is for her.
Will you let go of your fears and choose to hold on to God’s word and character?
When you’re feeling afraid, remember who you are—you are the child of the Most High God. We can laugh without fear of the future when we know who we are in Christ.
We must create a habit to declare God’s promises over our fears. It’s time to stop tolerating fear and start replacing fear with faith. God has given us His word to stand upon and trust. When you are tempted to worry about tomorrow, remember that God is good and will always take care of you. Our duty is to love Him rightly, and His duty is to take care of us. So remember, don’t make fear a habit.
Prayer: Jesus, I thank you that you know my every need and you desire to meet all my needs.
Listen more about my testimony in our podcast “Don’t Make Fear A Habit”
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