Combating your fears in Christ

In the Lord I put my trust; how say ye to my soul, “Flee as a bird to your mountain, 2 for lo, the wicked bend their bow and make ready their arrow upon the string, that they may privily shoot at the upright in heart;

Psalm 11:1–2

Learning the ways of God is very crucial to the life of a Christian, we are meant to be perfect as he is (see Matthew 5:48). Moreover, knowing God’s ways gives confidence in times of difficulties — the reason why Moses was not moved by predicaments encountered in the wilderness but the Israelites will always complain (see Exodus 14:11–12).

One of the children of life issues, even the first born is FEAR. Fear makes us do lots of things that can be contrary to the will of God for our lives; like turning to other source or gods for help (see Jeremiah 42:19, Jeremiah 44:19), like deserting our holy calling and doing things in unrighteous ways. For this purpose it is crucial to know how to overcome FEAR.

God’s Love

The situation of the Psalmists in Chapter 11 was one which involves the molecule of fear but drenched by the element of trust. The bible verses implies that there is no help anywhere but in God. The unfailing love of God is the reason why I should trust God in difficult times — for perfect love casts out fear (see 1 John 4:18). Beloved what manner of love the father has bestowed on us, that we should be called the sons of God…(see 1 John 3:1). He that did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all-how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things ( see Romans 8:32).

Be Still

When we are in difficult times that breeds fear, we are to remember the magnitude of God’s love for us and this is to direct the course of our actions. It is the human nature to see danger and to try to escape, its reflex. Well, if we find godly ways of escape out of difficult times, that is okay. But what if there are no means of escape. There are stories in the bible that indicates the attitude a Christian must portray in this situation. Stories like the Israelites and Pharaoh at the red sea, Paul and Silas in Prison, the three Hebrews and King Nebuchadnezzar and the Ark of Covenant in the house of Dagon. One thing is common with these stories that made them to overcome — it is there stillness; the ability to remain calm and have absolute confidence in God in adverse situations. Paul and Silas portrayed this when they were in prison — there situation did not hinder their daily devotion with God — they prayed and sang praises to God. The three Hebrews portrayed this when they said boldly to the King —

“O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If the God whom we serve exists, then He is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace and from your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden statue you have set up.” (Daniel 3:16–18 KJV)

Likewise, Peter sleeping heavily in prison when he was about to be beheaded on the morrow.

Beloved when there is nothing we can do but to pray, lets commit everything to God and have absolute confidence in him.

Total Deliverance

In difficult times we may question God — why we are facing such? The probable answer is that God wants to show himself mighty in our lives and to the world. But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth (see Exodus 9:16). No, it is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it (see John 9:3).

The biblical stories above shows similar ways by which God delivers — the deliverance of God is Total deliverance. Total deliverance is not only when a captive is delivered but when the enemy stands in total awe and admiration of your God. After King Nebuchadnezzar was confounded of the miracle of the burning furnace, he made a proclamation through the whole land that no man should speak ill of the God the three Hebrews. After the demonstration of God’s power in Egypt by the Ten plagues, the Egyptians gave their treasures to the Israelites as a parting gift. The prison guard and his household surrendered to Christ after the demonstration of God’s power in the prison.