In the midst of sudden panic, on–going anxiety, fear or even terror, it is often hard to have faith. It’s hard to remember to breathe, cry out and know that God is there and at work on our behalf. We often get stuck in the fear. Yet, He’s right there waiting for you to TRUST, to HOPE, to LOVE, to OBEY, to REST, to be FAITHFUL, and to PRAY. Our Heavenly Father wants our burdens. But how do we change our ways to become less anxious and more willing to give them to Jesus when life’s circumstances get difficult? We have to practice our part in remaining in faith before the fear hits. Our brains need exercise, just like our bodies. And the more we practice our part, the easier it is to access Him when a crisis hits or fear wants to take over.
Trust…
Trust is a hard one for most of us. Trust in mankind is shaky ground. There ARE trustworthy people, but God knows our human weakness and the best of man will somehow fail or forsake us. But God assures us He will NOT! When life gets messy we must trust that He is working behind the scene and has a good plan for us. No matter what our situation looks like at the moment, His plan is for our good and His glory.
Psalm 118:8 “It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in humans.”
Hope…
Hope allows us to dream and imagine circumstances to be better or improved. Our trust and faith in God and His almighty power offers us hope. When we commit to walking obediently with the Lord, we know our life will be better. We have hope of things yet to come!
Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”
Obey…
Fear and difficult circumstances tempt us to lean on our own understanding and strength. We get caught up in trying to figure things out, fix them and subsequently end up turning away from God. If there is a problem, then God already has a solution in mind. The more we obey and cling to his promises and remember His faithfulness, the more readily we can live in faith and that will overcome fear!
Proverbs 3:5 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding”.
Rest…
Physical and spiritual rest is one of the most important gifts we can receive. If Jesus, himself, required rest then it must be important! Rest requires us to give up our worries to God. Hand Him your worries and burdens, whether big or small, and feel the peace move in. HE is the burden bearer, not us. Let Him do his job and take up our part… His light yoke!
Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Love…
We love because God first loved us. He is love and we are called to love above all else. Love requires us to trust. We must trust God’s love for us and grow in the knowledge of that love. When we do this, fear and worry cannot exist. His perfect love expels fear. Our love for God and for others flows out of His love for us. We must practice receiving His love.
Romans 8:37-39 "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Faith…
Often it is hard to believe or imagine that things can be different or better. However, the more we operate from the belief that God is in control and loves us, the more clear the concept will become and more evident our new reality. Faith keeps us free from fear. We believe even though we do not see God, and believe that He is ever present and working for our good. Our faith gives us courage and staying power when storms hit because we know we are not alone.
Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Pray…
In any relationship, communication is the key component and it is no different with God. Our Lord desires to connect with us and prayer is the vehicle. He created us to be in relationship with Him. In prayer, we hear His heart of love for us, and take hold of His solutions. We are not limited to our own finite solutions! Prayer is the pipeline to the creator of the Universe. All His resources are available to us and work on our behalf. Prayer is vital!
Philippians 4:6-7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”.
Practice Trust, Hope, Obedience, Rest, Love, Faith and Prayer and see what happens. You will be amazed at God’s presence in your life and how different you handle life’s curve balls. Fear will no longer have a grip on you, and faith will get you through anything. So walk with God daily and experience peace.
Things go better with Faith!