Less Fear, More Faith

The emotion of fear is a gift from God.

Fear protects us from danger. Fear keeps us alive. Fear is wired into our survival instinct.

Fear is problematic when we are fearful in the absence of danger.

The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.Proverbs 28:1

Fear and worry reveal us.

Fear consumes the lives of those who do not live by faith.

But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.Revelation 21:8

Fear is a logical consequence of sin.

And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.Genesis 3:10

The emotion of fear is not a sin. Living a life of fear is.

Fear chooses to trust self over the promises of God.

Fear chooses to trust our interpretation of the circumstances over the presence of Jesus.

The storm was massive. The boat was full of water. Jesus was there.

Fear causes us to act against our better judgment.

They rebuked Jesus. Fear is not obedient to reality. Fear needs immediate relief.

Faith is the answer to fear.

Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you.Isaiah 35:3-4

Peace and rest are found in Someone, not something.

The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.Proverbs 18:10

To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, the servant of the LORD, who spake unto the LORD the words of this song in the day that the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul: And he said, I will love thee, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.Psalm 18:1-3

Fear crowds out the heart space allocated for faith.

Fear wants to be in control.

The emotion of fear and the presence of faith can coexist.

A lifestyle of fear and the presence of faith cannot coexist.

The most often-repeated command in all of the Bible is “Fear not.”

”Search Scripture and find that our fears are not trivial to God. “Do not be afraid” are not the words of a flesh-and-blood friend, a mere human like yourself. They are not the hollow words of a fellow passenger on a sinking ship, who has no experience in shipwrecks, can’t swim, and has no plan. These words are more like those of the captain who says, “Don’t be afraid. I know what to do.” When the right person speaks these words you might be comforted. Remember, “Do not be afraid” are the words of the one who can match speech with action. He is the sovereign King who really is in control. The efficacy of the words is directly related to the authority, power, and love of the one speaking them.”

Choose faith over your past experiences.

Choose faith over your current circumstances.

Choose faith over your feelings.

Choose faith over your fear.