Free Us From Fear

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)

It has been a week of fear and emotion; a week of hugs, prayers, tears, and comforting words. There was fear and pain in my co-worker’s eyes; fear of losing her job. There was fear in my friend’s eyes; fear of losing her boyfriend and being alone again. I heard fear and worry in my daughter’s voice when she discovered that her roommate was moving out at the end of the month.

“Fear loves a good stampede. Fear’s payday is blind panic, unfounded disquiet, and sleepless nights. Fear’s been making a good living lately.” (Max  Lucado)

Why do we give in to fear? We seem to all have worries on the job, in our relationships, and in our home. Deep down, all of us are either now, or have been, afraid.  Imagine never worrying about anything! What do we do with our fear? God wants us to give our burdens to Him, but too often we carry them ourselves even when we say that we are trusting in Him. But carrying our daily struggles by ourselves shows that we have not fully trusted God with our lives. I have often fallen into a trap of self-sufficiency when I worry or when I am anxious about something or someone. I get caught up into my own thoughts, and let anxiety wrap me up in myself.  When I am faithful and turn my worries into heartfelt prayer, I begin to experience peace knowing that God is truly in control, then I realize that I have just spent valuable time worrying and letting obstacles get in my way rather than letting God take charge!

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7)

We cannot allow fear to become our ruler. We are told to walk by faith, not by fear. We can’t submit to fear…but to the Lord. Today I cry out for my dear friends and family who are at this very moment struggling with their own individual fears. These fears are holding them back from having an open heart of faith and trust in God. I dedicate the following song to them by “Casting Crowns”…..

Lord I lift my friend to You.
I've done all that I know to do.
I lift my friend, to You.
Complicated circumstances
have clouded his view.
Lord I lift my friend up to You.

I fear that I won't have the words
that he needs to hear.
I pray for Your wisdom , oh God.
And a heart that's sincere.
And Lord I lift my friend up
to You.

Lord I lift my friend to You.
My best friend in the
world, I know he means much
more to You.
I want so much to help him, but
this is something he has to do.
Lord I lift my friend up to You.

There's a way that seems so right to him.
But You know where that leads.
He's becoming a puppet of the world.
Too blind to see the strings.
And Lord I lift my friend up to You.

Lord I lift my friend to You.
I've done all that I know to do.
I lift my friend, to You.