Click here for medical causes and cures Fear itself is not a sin or a disorder. When it operates as God intended, it is a healthy warning of impending danger; it is a key for survival. But healthy fear is designed to help us react properly to a situation and then the fear is GONE. Fear that lingers is not healthy fear, and it is NOT God-given. He doesn't give us a spirit of fear. A spirit of fear can mean two things: an attitude and mindset, or it can mean a literal spirit that we need to be freed from. Either way, God has a cure. However, lingering fear can also be a product of a MEDICAL condition and caused by chemical imbalance. And, if it is, then spiritual help will need to be received ALONG WITH MEDICAL HELP Click here to learn more>> Lingering fear, fear that paralyzes you or renders you helpless and ineffective usually needs an emotional, mental, and spiritual answer. But, when fear comes upon you, you don't real have time to pick up a manual or a study guide. You need something to help you with your immediate fear as well as your long range problem. Here is some of God's medicine. I use it all the time and it really works: Philipians 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 comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Don't make God your last resort. Go to Him first--before you start shaking and raising your blood pressure---before you do something hasty that you will later regret. The New Living Translation says it like this: 6Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. I remember occasions in my life when I received a phone call or a knock on the door that brought bad news or a report that was negative. Sometimes there were real dangers involved. Other times, thee was no real substance---just one of Satan's scare tactics. In my early days as a believer, I used to panic. I would imagine the worst (and boy, could I imagine). If I was alone I would be angry about that and anger added to panic is a terrible combination. If there was anyone else I could reach, I would call them and draw them into my web of fear. If the situation was bad, I would make it worse. If it was nothing, I would make it into something. I would worry and fret and cry and rage and I tell you truthfully, it NEVER EVER SOLVED THE PROBLEM OR TOOK AWAY MY FEAR. Then I began to learn about God's cure for fear:
Of course, if there are things you need to do to remedy the situation, YOU have to do them. God won't do your part but, believe me, YOU CANNOT DO HIS PART. The Message Bible says it like this: 6Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. 7Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. |
GOD HAS GOOD PLANS FOR YOUR FUTURE
know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out-- plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.
"When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I'll listen.
Jeremiah 29:11 (Message Bible) |
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