How To Evict Fear!

What would life be like without fear? Ordinary children today are more fearful than psychiatric patients were in the 1950's. Fear forces happiness to leave because fear is unwilling to share the heart with happiness. Can you imagine having a magnet that you place over your heart that pulls out all fear? This is the possibility behind Jesus' question, "Why are you afraid?" (Matthew 8:26).

Jesus asked this question in the midst of a sudden, great storm. Jesus was in the boat with his followers when this storm hit. It isn't always a cruise ship just because Jesus is in the house (or boat). Jesus knew the storm was coming and decided to go to sleep and get some rest (Mark 4:38). This nap troubled the disciples. Storms can make us wonder about Jesus character. Does He care about me... Fear does this.

Jesus reminds us that we do not have to fear because we are important to God (Matthew 10:29-31). God is aware. God is there (living in us). God is more than enough to handle whatever it is we fear. This awareness of God's presence and care for us enables us to fear less in the storms of life. In fact we are commanded, not invited but commanded, to remember that God is with us so we will take courage from God and fight fear(Joshua 1:9, Nehemiah 4:14). God with us guarantees victory through any storm! A heartfelt knowledge of this great love removes all fear from our life (1 John 4:18).

When our heart is threatened with fear, we must remember, God is greater than our heart and knows all things (1 John 3:20). We can discover how to evict fear and stir up courage and release the Champion in us. Fear is a result of ignorance of God's love and provision of power for living.

Jesus said, "I tell you not to worry about everyday life - whether you have enough" (Matthew 6:25-27). Whether you have enough. Do I have enough time, money, wisdom, ability etc. Jesus says don't worry, you have more than enough, because God is with you and you are valuable to Him!

God will meet your needs today. God will give you wisdom for today, and tomorrow God will still be with you! Focus on today and the fact that God is with you and He greatly values you. Evict fear and let confidence in the love of God arise in your heart.

I conclude with the words of Jesus. Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God (his loving presence in you) above all else, and His righteousness (more than enough power), and He will give you everything you need(Matthew 6:32-33). Darlene and I love you. We are praying for you today. You are more than a conqueror. You are a God container and that is more than enough!