The Bible has some 365 “Fear nots” in the word. It is probably not a coincidence that there is one for every day. So if the Bible is so full of admonitions to let go of our fears, why do we keep worrying about them?
Well, maybe you don’t even realize that you are afraid. This past weekend I attended a women’s retreat that focused on our fears and what they say about our relationship with God. So what are you afraid of? What are you saying to God with those fears?
Take moment to list things that cause you fear or anxiety or maybe something that just stresses you out. If you need a little help here’s list of worries that was complied from the average American woman.
- health- obsession with exercise, taking vitamins, and eating all natural foods
- work- inside or outside of the home
- growing old
- appearance
- home- paying bills to house cleaning
- finances
- fitting it all in
- kids
- politics & current events
- germs
- change
- social situations
- being alone
- weight
- divorce
- losing a child
These fears may be common to a lot of us. Many of us may have lives that are characterized by frustration, doubts and anxiety. But I want you to think about this- our fears are not normal. God did not create us to live in fear or to be consumed by worry. God created us for freedom (2 Tim.1:7).
Now consider something else:
This is what the Lord says— the Holy One of Israel and your Creator… I am the one who made the earth and created people to live on it. With my hands I stretched out the heavens. All the stars are at my command… I, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, have spoken!
Take your list of fears and ask yourself if they are bigger than the God who created the earth, people, stretched outer space and commands the stars. Are your worries bigger than the Lord of Heaven’s armies? I’m going to guess not. So why do we still have fears? Why do we live lives that are less than total peace? Because we simply forget who He is.
God says,
“I am the Lord, the God of all the peoples of the world. Is anything too hard for me?” Jer. 32:27
King David the psalmist said, “I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears.” The same God will do the same for you if you let him. Loosen the grip you have on your fears. Let them go today and fall into the arms of God who has promised to never let you go.
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one. John 10:27-30
