Welcome back my friends! Today I wanted to talk about something more serious and something that has been on my heart to talk about. I’ve been very nervous to share things like this because it does make me a little more vulnerable, but I would really like to talk to you about dealing with fear. Being fearful is something that I have struggled with the majority of my life and in the last few years I have received some wonderful counsel, read some amazing books, meditated on specific scriptures, and listened to some uplifting songs that all address fear. I really hope that you can learn from some of the things that I have learned and be encouraged as you go about your every day lives.

Fear can often lead to other things like anxiety, worry, depression, and can even debilitate you from completing your normal, daily activities. If you have experienced this, you are not alone and there is hope for coping and for recovery. 1 Peter 5:7 says to “cast all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.” Ever time a fearful thought enters your mind, give that thought right back to the Lord and ask Him to take control of it. I don’t know about you but sometimes when I’m fearful, I tend to just go further and further with imagining the thought or situation becoming so much worse–which doesn’t help at all because it makes the anxiety worse.

Fear is also being afraid of things that have not happened or things that aren’t even true. During times of fear, it’s so helpful to meditate and focus on what it true and real. Philippians 4: 8 says, “whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on these things.”

There is nothing I can do to control basically anything. I am not in control and thankfully I don’t have to be. The Lord has the future of the whole world in control, so there’s no need to fear scary clowns or even the outcome of the presidential election (that’s not an excuse to not vote, though. Go vote!). We can trust that God has a perfect plan for whatever may happen in life and that He will sustain us through it, no matter how scary or painful.

Fear is not something of God because He has not given us a spirit of fear, 2 Timothy 1:7. I believe very strongly in the power of spiritual warfare and that Satan knows the exact thoughts and situations in which to torture us. During times of spiritual warfare, again focus on what you know to be true and give that battle to the Lord! Ask Him to reveal Himself to you during those dark, fearful moments and He will. Also, the commands of “fear not” or “do not fear” are repeated around 300 times in scripture.

These are also some of my favorite passages to think about when I am experiencing fear:

Psalm 56:3-4. When I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?

Isaiah 43:1-2. But now, thus says the Lord, your Creator, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel. Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are Mine! When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you.

Philippians 4:6-7. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

John 14:27. Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.

Psalm 94:19. When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your consolations delight my soul.

Joshua 1:9. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Psalm 27:1. The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; whom shall I dread?

Psalm 55:22. Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.

Romans 8:38-39. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, no powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Favorite Book:

You’re Going to Be Okay by Holley Gerth— This book was so encouraging and refreshing to my soul when I was dealing with a situation a year or so ago. I love Holley Gerth’s books and I highly recommend you read this! This book felt like I was being given a giant hug.

Running Scared by Edward T Welch— I have not read this book yet but multiple people have recommended it. Let me know what you think if you have read it!

Favorite Songs:

No Longer Slaves by Bethel Music

Ever Be by Aaron Shust

Here’s My Heart By I Am They

Fear Not by Lori Wilbins
(Shameless plug but this happens to be my mommy. I’m so proud of her and this single can also be purchased on iTunes. Please go buy it and support her ministry! I can’t tell you the number of times that I’ve sat in my car and listened to this over and over. My mom is incredible. )

Safe by Phil Wickham

I hope this has brought your some comfort, encouragement, and some new coping strategies when you experience fear. Let me know how I can be praying for you if you are dealing with a specific situation. Also, let me know what scriptures, songs, etc have been encouraging to you!

Love from, Amy.