What may be triggering your fear?
Allow me to ask you a question as we begin our week together: would you go to a restaurant, hoping you wouldn't get something there to eat? Surely not, haha. Or for those of us dating, would you go on a date with someone who's the wrong match for you, knowing that nothing would come of it? Neither of those scenarios makes much sense, and we wouldn't walk into them willingly!
May I ask you then…why would you willingly visit the places that trigger and fuel your fears?
Perhaps you're wondering what I mean. Let's take a look at:
1. Your thoughts…
friend, you may say, "Yes, but I just can't seem to control them." Have you ever really tried? "The human spirit is the lamp of the LORD that sheds light on one’s inmost being." (Proverbs 20:27, NIV). Think about that for a moment—it's truly amazing! With God, we have understanding. What's in your thought life that's triggering your fear?
2. Your interaction with social media and news…
You're probably familiar with this fear that can be paralyzing. Rather than reaching for the truth that sanctifies you (see John 17:17), perhaps you're turning to Instagram, sharing your pain on Facebook, etc., and by doing so, further feeding yourself with others' fears.
It's a never-ending cycle. All the while, God is crying out, "'Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'" (Isaiah 41:10, NKJV). Do you look to God when you see something in the news that triggers fear in your life?
3. Your environment…
Your environment definitely isn't something to take lightly! I read this quote by an unknown author on the Internet: "If you hang out with five fools, you'll be the sixth. If you hang out with five millionaires, you'll be the sixth." You might say, "Yeah, yeah, but that’s the Internet."
But the Bible has very similar things to say: "He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed." (Proverbs 13:20, NKJV)
Thinking about our environment, we can read this verse in the context of our fears: "If you walk with very fearful people, you, too, will become more fearful..." What's around you that's triggering fear in your life? Is it a "what" or maybe a "who"?
friend, paying attention to these three points is very important if you want to be free from your fears. And the beautiful thing is that God is walking this path WITH YOU!
He wants to take your fears away, but you'll need to participate with Him and take the steps you need to take! Would you take this week to please pray about these three points in your life?
You're a miracle!
