Faith In Fear: Keeping Trust In God

Fear is a powerful emotion that can sometimes shake our faith. It can stem from various sources, such as previous traumatic experiences, uncertainty about the future, or even overactive imaginations. While it is normal to feel afraid at times, allowing fear to consume us can be toxic and paralysing. In such moments, it is crucial to remember that God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love, and self-discipline, as written in 2 Timothy 1:7. To keep faith in God when afraid, we must identify our fears, choose to trust God, and actively seek Him through prayer, meditation, and scripture reading. Worship is a powerful tool, allowing us to focus on God's goodness and invite His power and presence into our lives. Additionally, surrendering control and embracing a long-term perspective are essential steps in our journey of faith.

Identify your fears

Keeping faith in God when afraid is a journey that requires discipline. It involves acknowledging and facing our fears, but not letting them control or consume us. Instead, we focus on God's promises and character, believing that He is faithful and loving and that He will help us through every circumstance.

Understand What Is Real Versus Your Perception of the Feeling

Your perception creates the world as you see it, and everything you perceive is your reality. However, it is important to be aware of your biases, judgments, and expectations. The way you see situations is not always based on evidence but on your fears or what could happen. Take a moment to journal and ask yourself what is really going on. Locate the facts and place them over your feelings. What evidence do you have that something won't work out? Are there any obstacles that are real or possibly exaggerated in your mind?

Take a Moment to Understand the Trigger

According to Healthline, an emotional trigger is "anything—including memories, experiences, or events—that sparks an intense emotional reaction, regardless of your current mood." Understanding your triggers and how you can respond to them is crucial to taking back your power. Allow yourself to feel your emotions and process them in a healthy way so that you don't react impulsively. When you feel an emotional trigger, sit with it and ask yourself where it comes from. Figure out what it is in a situation that triggers you and get curious about what the trigger is trying to tell you.

Ask Yourself Where the Fear Is in Your Body

Fear often manifests physically. It affects different people in different ways. Some people get fear in their stomach or develop a headache. Remember that your emotions always come out in your body when you're out of balance. Identify how fear affects your body and take care of it. For example, if you hold stress in your back, learn stretches or try foam rolling to alleviate the pain.

Practice Gratitude

Gratitude helps shift the mind into a positive light, which, over time, can overcome fear. Make it a daily practice to list 1-3 things you are thankful for, no matter how big or small. Are you grateful for your health, your job, your home, or your safety? Even if you're in a difficult spot, there are always things to be grateful for. This practice will help you confront your fears and become more emotionally stable.

Listen to Your Inner Voice

Monitor your inner conversations. Are you saying mean things to yourself and tearing yourself down? Would you say the same things to a friend? When you find yourself thinking about all the things that could go wrong, ask yourself empowering questions instead: "What if I do get what I want?" "What if I succeed?" "What if I get the promotion?" Visualize yourself getting the outcome that you want instead of what you don't want.

Create a Safe Space

When you feel safe and secure, there is no room for fear. Find a safe place you can retreat to when difficult feelings arise—this could be a real place, like your bedroom, or an imaginary place in your mind. This sense of comfort will soothe you and help you face your fears.

Choose to trust God with your fears

Surrender your worries to God

True freedom comes from fully releasing control and trusting God. When you are able to do this, fear will begin to lose its grip on you. Instead of trying to control all the possibilities and outcomes, choose to trust God with your fears. You can say something like:

> God, you know I struggle with this fear, but I choose to trust you anyway. I am going to invite you into my inner world and ask that you help me to feel peace.

Seek God's guidance

Seek God by reading the Bible, praying, and seeking counsel from other Christians. Through these practices, you can find comfort and strength in God's presence and His promises. Remember that God wants you to walk by faith, not in fear. As you seek Him, focus on His goodness and all the good He has done for you, inviting His power and presence into your life.

Worship over worry

Worship is a spiritual weapon that can help you combat fear. When you choose to worship God, you shift your focus to His goodness and faithfulness. This involves your thoughts and attitudes. Instead of worrying, make a conscious decision to practice your faith. Declare your trust in God and expect good things to happen.

Recognise that fear does not come from God

It's important to understand that fear does not come from God. In fact, God wants you to walk by faith. Fear can be a result of previous traumatic experiences, or it can be fuelled by our imagination and anxiety. Recognising the source of your fears can help you address them and choose to trust in God's plan and provision instead.

Remember God's promises

God promises to be with you and to never leave you or forsake you. His presence brings peace and comfort, even in the midst of difficult circumstances. Cling to Bible verses that speak to your soul and remind you of God's faithfulness, such as:

> "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 hand." (Isaiah 41:10)

> "When I am afraid, I will trust in you." (Psalm 56:3)

Seek God until He takes away your fears

When we are afraid, it is important to remember that God did not create us to be dominated by fear. Instead, we can seek God until He takes away our fears. Here are some ways to do that:

Seek God through the Bible

The Bible is a powerful tool to help us seek God and find comfort in His presence. Reading Scripture can provide guidance, strength, and hope, especially during difficult times. As we immerse ourselves in God's Word, we can find rest for our weary souls and draw closer to Him.

Seek God through Prayer

Prayer is a way to communicate with God and build a personal relationship with Him. We can share our fears, anxieties, and uncertainties with God, knowing that He is always listening and cares for us deeply. Through prayer, we can find peace and strength to face our fears.

Seek God through Christian Community

Fellowship with other Christians can be a source of support and encouragement. Joining a LifeGroup, attending church, or seeking counsel from trusted friends, mentors, or pastors can provide a sense of community and help us stay connected to God.

Seek God through Christian Literature

In addition to the Bible, there are many books written by Christians that can help us seek God and grow in our faith. These books can offer different perspectives, insights, and wisdom to strengthen our walk with God and help us overcome our fears.

Seek God through Worship

Worship is a powerful act of surrendering our fears and anxieties to God. When we choose to worship, we shift our focus from our circumstances to God's goodness and faithfulness. Worship involves our thoughts and attitudes, inviting God's power and presence into our lives.

By seeking God through these various means, we can find strength, comfort, and peace in the midst of our fears. As we draw closer to Him, we can trust that He will be with us, providing guidance and protection every step of the way.

Recognise that fear does not come from God

Fear is not from God. It is important to understand that fear is not something that God uses to control or punish us. Instead, fear is often a result of our own lack of trust in God and His plan for us.

In 2 Timothy 1:7, Paul writes, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." This verse reminds us that God does not want us to live in fear but instead desires for us to have power, love, and self-discipline.

The enemy, Satan, uses fear as a weapon against us, hoping to keep us from walking by faith. Fear can manifest in many ways, from worrying about sickness, job loss, or failure to more trivial concerns. However, it is essential to recognise that these fears do not come from God but are instead tools of the enemy to keep us from living the abundant life He has planned for us.

When we understand that fear is not from God, we can begin to combat it through faith. We can choose to worship God and focus on His goodness and faithfulness, inviting His power and presence into our lives. We can also choose to trust God with our fears, surrendering control and allowing Him to bring peace and freedom.

Additionally, we can find comfort and strength in Bible verses that remind us of God's presence and protection, such as Isaiah 41:10, which says, "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."

By recognising that fear does not come from God, we can begin to walk in faith and experience the peace, hope, and courage that comes from trusting in Him.

Choose worship over worry

Worry is a state of anxiety and uncertainty over actual or potential problems. It is common among women because we crave control, we're problem solvers, and we like to get things done. Women are also multitaskers, list-makers, and caretakers, which create several opportunities to worry. However, God desires us to worship him instead of worrying.

Worship is a spiritual weapon that we must choose to use when confronted by fearful thoughts. When we worship God, we focus on His goodness and all the good things He has done for us, inviting His power and presence into our lives.

How to Choose Worship Over Worry

Identify Your Fears

The first step is to identify what your fears are. Ask yourself, "What makes me feel afraid?" Write down your fears and question them. This will force you to analyze why you are afraid and bring your fears to the surface.

Choose to Trust God with Your Fears

Instead of trying to control all the possibilities and outcomes, choose to trust God with your fears. Say, "God, I struggle with this fear, but I choose to trust You. I invite You into my inner world and ask that You help me feel peace." True freedom comes from fully releasing control and trusting God.

Seek God Until He Takes Away Your Fears

Seek God by reading the Bible, praying, and seeking counsel from fellow believers. Constantly seek God until He takes away your fears and fills your heart with peace.

Remember That Your Focus Determines Your Direction

Your attention determines your direction. When your heart and mind are fixed on things you have no control over, your life becomes all about worry. But when you focus your attention on Jesus, your life will be drawn more and more to Him, turning your worry into worship.

'Do Not Be Anxious About Anything' by Praying

Instead of meditating on your worries, redirect your thoughts and fears to God. Open up to Him by bringing your worries into the light. Tell Him what you're worrying about, no matter how big or small.

Name Your Worry and Ask for God's Help

Name what's going on in your heart and transform your anxiousness into asking. For example, "God, will You give me wisdom to know what to do? Please help me remember that You've taken care of me every day."

Turn Your Worry into Worship

In the next breath, turn your worry into worship by thanking God. For instance, "God, thank You that You are in control. I'm grateful that You hold my future in Your hands."

Benefits of Choosing Worship Over Worry

When you choose worship over worry, God promises to give you peace. He will guide you, guard you, cover you, and carry you. You will no longer be weighed down by worry but will experience supernatural peace, even in the midst of difficult circumstances.

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