Who is the person who fears the Lord? He will instruct him in the way he should choose. (Psalm 25:12 NASB)
Abba, I’m struggling against some fears in some specific areas. You said to cast everything on to you because you care for us. So I’m actively casting.
Yes, Child. That is good. Being fearful is not good.
I know your Word says that you do not give us a spirit of fear, but a sound mind. I’m struggling to stay in my “sound mind.”
Cast it on me, Child.
Yes, Abba. I know that 365 times in the Bible you tell me “DO NOT FEAR.”
Yes, Child. What else did the ladies tell you this morning?
To be aware of the “fourth man in the fire” in this situation. To not stuff the fears or anger, but to mindfully and in a safe place express those things so they don’t lead to unforgiveness. To seek a different “what if.”
What did they mean by “a different what if?”
My mind goes to the very negative “what ifs,” like, “What if we lose our income and our home?” A different “what if” might be, “What if God has a good solution for this?”
I like that “what if” much better. I do have the solutions. I AM Jehovah Jireh, your provider.
I know. You are the Way Maker, Miracle Worker, Promise Keeper, and Light in the Darkness.
Yes. I AM.
Yes, Lord.
Fear of man is not good for you. Holy fear of ME is appropriate. I did not create you to live in fear, but in hope, peace, and joy. You must continue to cast these fears on me so that I can take them from you.
I am trying.
What else did they recommend?
Have a plan of who to pray for when a tormenting thought comes. So, if I recognize my thoughts as going down a fearful path, I should pray for so-and-so and their situation.
I like that idea. Kind of kills two birds with one stone. Your thoughts get redirected and someone in need is prayed for.
Yes, Abba.
Child, even if your worst-case scenario happens, will I still be your God?
Yes, Abba.
Child, even if your worst-case scenario happens, will you still praise me? Worship me? Honor me with your life?
I hope so. That is my intention. I also know my flesh and my own limitations.
I AM not a God of limitations; I AM infinite. And my GRACE is sufficient for you. Your weakness is turned to strength in the power of MY Presence. You do not need to fear the terrors of the night or the arrows that fly by day. I AM your God. I AM your rock, your protector, your provider, your defense, and your shield. NO weapon formed against you will prosper because I AM your Abba, you are precious in MY sight and I love you.
Abba, please help me to remember this, to recognize my thoughts, to redirect, and to trust you. I do know you are worthy of praise and worship, even if….
Yes, and there is always a “fourth man in the fire,” of varying forms. I AM with you always – even to the end of the age. I will never leave you or forsake you. I AM.
Yes, Abba. Thank you.
I love you, Child. BE at PEACE.
AMEN.
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7 NIV)
So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” (Romans 8:15 NLT)
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7 NIV)
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. (Isaiah 41:10 NIV)
Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9 NIV)
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace: “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed…” (Daniel 3:24-25 NIV)
So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.” (Genesis 22:14 NIV)
Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe. (Proverbs 29:25 NIV)
My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV)
You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.
A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you. (Psalm 91:5-7 NIV)
The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. (Psalm 18:2 NIV)
“No weapon forged against you will prevail,
and you will refute every tongue that accuses you.
This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord,
and this is their vindication from me,”
declares the Lord. (Isaiah 54:17 NIV)
Since you are precious and honored in my sight,
and because I love you,
I will give people in exchange for you,
nations in exchange for your life. (Isaiah 43:4 NIV)
And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. (Matthew 28:20 NIV)
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. (Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV)