Not of fear.

     We as a human race have a problem. We worry. We fear. We worry about finances, jobs, school, family, friends, appearances, etc. We fear the future, changes, decisions. This fear and worry causes us to react a certain way, to treat others and ourselves a certain way. It makes for a world full of anxious, angry, and constantly stressed people... even Christians.
     Alright, why did I write those last two words? Because we do it too: we worry about things just as much as an unbeliever because we're human too. I'll admit it: I can be very fearful, anxious, worried, agitated, nervous, etc. I get this way so easily, but I always have an excuse: "I'm not feeling good." or "It's just my anxiety, leave me alone." These feelings cause me to be unkind or plain mean to people and eventually I realize what I said or did and try to make up for it.
     I worry about money, about the future, about not having something I should (or feel I should) have, about how I look, about my family, about my friends, about people, about our world, our society and culture, the church as a whole, etc.
     I over think little things that do not matter, or analyze a person or action or word so much that it leads to obsession. "This person said this, but what if they didn't mean this, they meant that. How will I figure out which definition of this word they meant? What about their tone of voice or facial expressions? Did I look stupid while they were saying this? What if I made it weird?" I know. Almost worthy of a a slap across my face to get me thinking straight again.

But then God reminded me of something...

I have been given a beautiful and wonderful gift. 

That spirit of fear and anxiety and worry is not a part of me anymore.

I belong to my beloved Jesus.

My Father is making me righteous...

(slowly, but surely)...

which means I can be bold... courageous... fearless.

"I'm no longer a slave to fear,

I am a child of God. (2x)

I am surrounded

By the arms of the Father.

I am surrounded

By songs of deliverance.

We've been liberated

From our bondage.

We're the sons and the daughters

Let us sing our freedom.

You split the sea

So I could walk right through it.

My fears are drowned in perfect love.

You rescued me

And I will stand and sing:

I am a child of God."
(No Longer Slaves, Bethel Music)
   

     Because I am a child of God, I can be bold and strong and determined and confidant and brave and loving and kind and peaceful and joyful and everything else! The Spirit of God is living in me and enabling me to be those things, leading me to a life full of control of my human self, and freedom in Jesus. Wow. Paul wrote to Timothy and said: "...for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." (2 Timothy 1:6-7, ESV).

     So here are three steps I am starting to take in my life and I hope you will be encouraged to do them yourselves:

1. Recognize that those negative things in your life are real. They are a part of your human state and they are genuine. Jesus knew that we would struggle with worry and fear and He told us what to do about it: "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." When we understand and acknowledge that those things are real and are a piece of us, then we can learn to take them to Jesus. (Matthew 11:25-30). Ignoring them or pushing them aside does not help anyone, especially yourself.

2. Take them to Jesus and leave them there. Understand that this is where they need to stay; do not try to take them back and handle it yourself. (This is the hardest part.) Build your foundation on the fact that those things are in God's hands now and not your own. He is with you and is replacing those feelings of worry and fear with ones of courage and Christ-likeness (I don't think that's a word, but you get it.)

"Fear not, I am with thee; O be not dismayed,

for I am thy God and will still give thee aid.

I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,

upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand."

(How Firm a Foundation)

3. Embrace the spirit of power and love and grace and self-control and boldness that He gives us instead! Take those things He has given you and utilize them! Use your gifts and talents! Speak out for Him. Do something you have never been brave enough to do! Be bold! Be Spirit-filled and led! Be awesome! Be beautiful! Be incredible! Be who God made you to be!

One of my favorite verses.

     One last thought... He is faithful. He is right there. He gets it. Your Heavenly Father is going to keep His promises to you. It might not be an overnight thing. It might take a long time. It's not something you can just learn and move on. Trust is a continual thing. Letting go can take a long time. Replacing fear and worry and anxiety with courage and peace and joy can take a long time, but hold on. Hold on to the promise of God's faithfulness. 

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering,

for He who promised is faithful.

Hebrews 10:23

Remember Who you belong to... Be a child of the everlasting, almighty King today!

~ Abby