We live in times where violence has unfortunately disrupted and transformed the way we do
many daily tasks. Because of how frequently we have witnessed these terrible and inconceivable acts of hatred and violence, we are starting to think about things we had not bothered to think of before. All the news about these mass shootings in public places fills us with fear, but we must not let that fear overcome us; we must be proactive, alert, and aware. We must make family plans on how to react, so fear has less power over us. To give you an example, Some time ago, as my daughters and I were going to a public place, I felt the urge to explain to them that from that day on, every time we are at a public place, I want them by my side and not scattered as they used to do before. I explained to them that in the event of an incident, if I told them to run, to run without stopping or looking back, no matter what happened. They have no idea how sad it was to have this conversation with them. Their responses surprised me because I could see that they had already contemplated different scenarios of what to do in case of any violent act. Another thing that was not easy was telling them that even if something happened to us (my husband and I), they should not stop running and that our priority would always be to protect them, no matter what.
Although we always pray before going anywhere, and we put ourselves under God's will and ask Him to protect us, I prefer to prepare them, so they would know what to do and would not freeze. It is normal to feel fear in situations when we feel threatened, but the key is not to let fear paralyze us and react correctly. Fear arises when emotion takes control of our lives and paralyzes us. On many occasions, fear becomes something irrational that affects our quality of life and emotional stability. Sometimes our fear is so powerful that it makes us forget that we can control it with the correct coping mechanisms. Being afraid is a reaction that serves as a defense mechanism of our body to let us know and alert us of some danger or threat. It is part of our sense of survival, but we must not let fear cloud our minds or control us.
By nature, human beings like to have control of things, which is why when we face situations in which we are powerless, we are invaded by fear. In the spiritual area, the same thing happens: uncertainty paralyzes us and menaces our faith. Ignorance of the Word of God makes us easy prey for the tricks that the enemy uses to fill us with fear and paralyze us. Fear makes us lose sight that God is in front of us, and He is more powerful than any problem or circumstance. It makes us believe the devil's lies and makes us forget how He sees us. The verse of Hosea 4:6 is very true, "My people perish for lack of knowledge.." If we do not know the Word of God, we believe all the lies that the enemy tells us, and we allow fear to control our lives.
Here are some verses that will be useful to battle fear:
Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV) The Lord himself will go before you and be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.
Romans 8:28 (NIV) And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Isaiah 43:1 (NIV) But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, Jacob, who formed you, Israel: "Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your Name; you are mine.
Psalm 91- Complete
Psalm 23- Complete
John 4:18 (NIV) But perfect love casts out fear. He who fears awaits punishment, so he has not been perfected in love.
Psalms 18:2 (NIV) The Lord is my rock, my refuge, my deliverer; he is my God, the rock, in which I take refuge, he is my shield, the power that saves me, my highest hiding place!
Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV) Don't worry about anything; rather, on every occasion, with prayer and supplication, present your petitions to God and give Him thanks. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Hebrews 13:6 (NIV) So we can confidently say, “It is the Lord who helps me; I will not fear. What can a mere mortal do to me?
Timothy 1:7(ESV) For God has not given us a spirit of cowardice but of power, love, and self-control.
Joshua 1:9 (NIV) I have already commanded you: Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged! For the Lord, your God will be with you wherever you go."
Proverbs 29:25 (NIV) Fearing men is a trap, but he who trusts in the Lord comes out safe.
Like these verses, there are many more. It is crucial never to lose sight of the fact that He is with us at all times, in our daily lives, in our daily battles and struggles; amid any situation, He is there, strengthening us, helping us; He will never let go or forsake us. God gives us the strength and grace to live bravely, boldly, and without fear in this life, even when everything around us tells us otherwise. His truth lets us know that we do not need to fear.
Let us surrender our thoughts of fear to God and nourish ourselves with the words of truth from Him. He knows what is best for us, and He always takes care of us.
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