Fear and the Bible

QUESTION: Fear and the Bible - Understand The Power You Have

ANSWER:

Fear and the Bible – Insights from God’s Word
''Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” - Matthew 7:24–27

Fear and the Bible - A Kingdom that Cannot be Shaken
Prayer: Lord, I enter into the sweetness of Your Presence this morning full of hope and joy -- even though I sense Your message is a sober one. I fall to my knees in gratitude that You would choose to reach out from heaven to Your kids -- choosing to minister to them in a way that will ultimately bring them a freedom they have never before experienced. I bow to You, my King, who alone has all power, authority, and dominion over the earth.

I am grateful for the reminder this morning that we have been given a kingdom that cannot be shaken. I am also sensing a sober warning coming from Your great heart of love to get right with You. So many times I have been reminded to focus my life on You and what You are doing in this world. You often challenge me to look at the situations I face with Your eyes. You also challenge me to trust You in ways I never even knew were possible. You remind me that the times ahead are going to be challenging -- but You also desire to use the Body of Christ to exhibit Your power, wisdom, and glory to a world that will continue to be ruled by selfishness, ego, and the like.

My heart cries out in agony as I see the visible signs of my loving God trying to warn His kids to not allow fear to rule their lives -- but to run instead towards a fullness in Christ many have yet to experience. From my own personal experience I know what fear can do, and I hear You warn me this morning to not allow this evil to gain a stronghold in my heart, my family, or my church. You are so close to us, my King -- and that is where our focus needs to be.

I do believe You have given us a kingdom that cannot be shaken. I do believe Your Body will be secure in a place of safety because You have given us a key to Your kingdom. Therefore, I also believe these are sobering times -- and all of us need to be certain of our place with You. This morning many of us need to get on our knees and repent if we are still caught up in the ways of this world. Many of us still have our feet in both camps, and this compromise threatens our integrity. You are a good God -- loving towards all You have made. I know You desire that none should perish, and I know You will use those who are willing to surrender to self to accomplish that goal before You return.

My biggest concern this morning, Lord -- and therefore the purpose of this prayer -- is to ask You to prepare Your people so they can live in the safety and security of Your sheep pen. Help us, Lord, to understand we must be confident we know Your voice -- and then convict us if there is anything stopping us from obeying Your "still small voice". I am led to pray often for my brothers and sisters, as I know it will not be possible to accomplish Your purposes without this vital peace of mind that only comes from intimacy with You.

So many people try to have it both ways, my King, and the end result is usually a life lived without God -- which is sheer folly. You remind us over and over again that if we live in obedience to You, we do not have to fear things that are coming on the earth. Rather, You will give us Your authority over those things, and use us to stop destruction and catastrophe from occurring.

My heart knows You desire mercy over judgment -- and I know how much You love the lost and the wayward kids who are presently rebelling against You. We can no longer afford to keep our feet in both the world and the kingdom of heaven. We must make a choice. Help us, Lord, for we are very weak. Help us, Lord, as we often fall far short of our goals. Grant us your grace and Your mercy -- but also grant us Your convictions so we can get right with You quickly and not waste any more time in the valley of pity. I know You want Your people to get their toes out of the Jordan and cross over into the Promised Land. Help us to obey Your "still small voice" quickly. Where You see fear, convict us of the need to surrender that fear at the foot of Your cross -- and pray instead for the fruit of the Spirit to reign in our lives.

We need You, my God -- we need each other -- we need a local church fellowship -- and we bow in gratitude to our loving God who provides access to all of these things through His Son -- and caps it off by giving us the Holy Spirit dwelling within to guide and direct our path. Thank You, my God, for loving us as You do and for all of Your provisions. To You be all the honor and glory -- for You alone are worthy.

Fear and the Bible – Making it Personal
Reflect: One of Satan’s greatest deceptions is fear. It comes in many forms, shapes, and sizes, and is designed by Satan to prevent us from fully receiving all God has for us. This prayer is a sober warning to recognize this counterfeit strategy and to repent. We are to live free because we have been given a kingdom that cannot be shaken. It is contingent on our obedience to God and our willingness to trust Him. As this prayer indicates many are still living in compromise -- trying to have it both ways. I would encourage you to take an inventory of your own walk and where you see compromise -- repent. God desires to use those who trust and obey Him in powerful ways. We need to constantly remember that even though darkness is everywhere, the kingdom of God is even closer. It is our safety net in times of trouble.