Forfeiting My Fears (Focusing My Faith on the Father)

Along the way I’ve discovered that all too often fear drives the negative actions in my life. I’ve found, when I closely examine my motives, they can often be traced back to long-held, closely-guarded, falsely-cherished fears.

Unfortunately, fear is a powerful force; it propels many of my actions and permeates even the most unlikely cubbyholes in my life. Fear often climbs into my lap, pressing down until I can’t move—can’t even breathe. It pins me tightly to my safe, comfortable chair.

But, according to God’s Word, I’ve been released from the oppressive burden of fear; in fact, the Bible makes it abundantly clear that, with God on my side, I have absolutely nothing to fear: “Fear not [there is nothing to fear], for I am with you; do not look around you in terror and be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties, yes, I will help you; yes, I will hold you up and retain you with My [victorious] right hand of rightness and justice” Isaiah 41:10 (AMP).

Wow! God is on my side—fighting for me! What then do I have to fear? I can stand up, victorious, facing the world fear-free. So why are so many of my actions a result of my deep-seated fears? Why do I continue to grant these foolish fears power my life? My fear reflects a clear lack of faith. All too often in the face of life’s seemingly real fears, I succumb, focusing on my fears instead of God’s promises; all too often I allow fear to replace God as the ruler of my life.

So join me as I fully embrace the promises in God’s Word; join me as I join the man who brought his mute son to Jesus in saying, “…I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!” Mark 9:24 (NLT).

Final Thought: 1 John 4:18 says: “Perfect love expels all fear;” so, when I fully embrace God’s perfect love, fear no longer has a place in my life; it’s swept away by God’s all-consuming love.