Fear Feeds Fear

Have you ever noticed if you begin to focus on a fear or a worry, it seems to grow? Satan feeds our fears. We have a choice if we want to believe them or firmly put a stop to them. Where does God weigh in on the subject of fear?

"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control." 2 Timothy 1:7

If you are feeling fearful, stop and breathe. Center yourself through prayer. Know that fear is NEVER from God. Rather God has given us power, love, calm, a well-balanced mind, and self-control. 

Spend some time with God and ask Him what you are truly afraid of. Then, ask God to show you what he wants you to know about these fears. [Not sure if you know how to hear God's voice? Click here].

Fear does nothing good and seems to lead me away from God. God is always telling me to trust. If I get stuck thinking about a fear/worry over and over again, God's peace seems further away. But, this is not the way it has to be. I have found what works for me to stop whatever I am doing and spend just a few minutes centering in on God and releasing the worry to Him. I actually visualize myself handing him the problem and just dropping it into His capable hands. 

Then I, literally, hold out my right hand and imagine taking hold of His. "For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." Isaiah 41:13. It is true, God is here to be our ever-present help, the great counselor, and loving father. I repeat to myself, "Do NOT fear." For I feel, this is a command of peace from God. He encourages me to let Him handle the worry and to rest in His peace. 

If the fear comes back, I hold it captive and repeat the process above. With stubborn fears, you may have to do this several times. Also, I feel worrying is a bad habit. Therefore, with any habit there will be a learning curve as you break through the pattern and then it is finally gone.

BE STILL...

I have learned that the best revelations from God come from simply learning to be still before Him.

How to be still before God:
1. Find a location where you can have at least 10 minutes alone. Being outside in nature is really great, but anywhere where you can get a moment alone is fine. I know one mother who actually goes into a closet and sits on the floor so she can have a few minutes alone with God without the kiddos around. If you can't think of a place or have such a tight schedule you are unsure of how to schedule it in, just ask God. He desperately wants to spend time with you. He will provide a way to be still.
2.  Keep paper beside you and a pen. Be ready to jot down any errands you suddenly remember as you begin to be still before God. Go ahead and write them all down. Otherwise, these items will be in your head and keep you from being completely still.
3. Pray, "In the name of Jesus, I command my body and mind to line up with the Holy Spirit." Now your mind and body will not distract you from hearing God.
4. Take a series of deep breaths. Try to breathe out slower each time.
5. Ask God a question or just be completely still before Him.
6. Write if you see any visions or hear any words from Him. Do not try to analyze what you are writing means. Just go with it.
7. Be sure to reread your revelations and/or journal about them. These are precious words from God about you and your destiny God has for you.