#faithoverfear

Finding Joy in Adversity: Overcoming Fear with Faith

~ authorlasharnda ~ Leave a comment

Sometimes, it’s hard to admit that we can feel joy when the pressures of life are pushing us down. You may be generally a happy and optimistic person, but you find yourself worried, preoccupied, frustrated, and suspicious.

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Over the last several weeks, I have had my share of all the above, which frustrates me when I pride myself on being optimistic about everything. Experiencing these emotions only shows that even though we think we are superhuman, we are not; we are simply human. We are not God; only He is.

In times of turmoil, my go-to habit is always the Bible. But doing that sometimes doesn’t bring relief. But there is something to the scripture in Psalm 30:5 that says, “Weeping may endure for a night, but Joy comes in the morning.” As much as I found myself overwhelmed for several weeks, suddenly, one day, I read a devotional that triggered a release in my spirit. It was Romans 8:28, “All things work together for good to those who love God. To those who are called according to His Purpose.”

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Like many others, I have known that scripture my entire life, but just as our elders would say, memorize scripture because the Holy Spirit will bring it back to you when needed. And that is precisely what happened.

The writer of that devotional reminded me that life’s journey has twists and turns. No path is always straight. However, at the end of the path, you and I will achieve His purpose. The writer talked about having Faith over fear—something I say a lot, but when it is you in the middle of something if we are not grounded in the joy of the Lord, fear can cripple us and overtake our Faith.

So, my breakthrough came on that Friday with the devotional. On Sunday, the message from my Pastor was loud and clear: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22:
• Be joyful always
• Pray continuously
• Give thanks in all circumstances
• Don’t stifle the Holy Spirit
• Don’t scoff at prophesies
• Test everything that is said
• Hold onto what is good
• Stay away from what is evil

When I heard that message and heard the words Faith over fear, I knew these words were for me. So, I tell you today, when you feel overwhelmed and scared, speak Faith. Philippians 4:7 says, “Be anxious for nothing but in all things by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

So, if worry enters your mind, prayer should fill your mouth.

Uncertain?

~ authorlasharnda ~ Leave a comment

 

I am sure you have seen the comments about the pandemic from the news media, your friends on social media, and probably family members and close friends. People who are experts in one area are now experts on the pandemic too. I believe we will all do well to press into God and listen to His voice, especially during these times of uncertainty.
We don’t know what the future holds; we I know who holds the future. No joke. I also know that even if I knew what the future had in store for me, I cannot do one thing about it except watch and wait. So, I sit at my home, just like you, and wait to see what’s next.

uncertaintyWhile I wait, I pray that my faith stays strong. I pray to shut out all the “experts” who are not experts, and I pray to take things seriously and also not to overreact.
I remind myself when the semi-experts begin to talk that God empowered professionals to study medicine and all kinds of diseases. I will listen to them. Also, I remind myself that everything is not a conspiracy. So when I read where people are spreading innuendo and gossip, I move right pass them. Listen, this is the time to trust God and listen to the scientists and medical experts.
I am no medical expert, nor am I a Biblical scholar. I am, on the other hand, a Believer. Not just a Sunday Believer, but an every day, Bible read and prayer Believer. I know that God has a plan and purpose for each of us. I do trust that His will be done. I also have to trust what the medical experts tell me and take their guidance seriously. So I wash my hands regularly, stay away from crowds, go out to exercise alone, and then I go back to my house and remain unless there is an urgent need.

Like you, I don’t like uncertainty. What keeps me going? Believing what the Word of God tells me. 2 Timothy1:7, “For God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-faithoverfearcontrol.” So I try very hard not to fear, but to trust. His Word says in John 14:18, “I will not leave you desolate: I will come unto you.” Deuteronomy 31:8 says, “He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” So, I remind myself the God is here right amid this uncertainty. He said He would be, so I will not fear. The scripture that really speaks to me during these times of uncertainty is found in Psalms 23:4, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me…” Feeding my mind with the Word of God rather than people reduces my anxiety.

There is no doubt that uncertainty fuels fear. However, faith can help us to overcome that fear. Recognize that having faith does mean we are void of fear; it means we can look at fear and trust God despite what we see or feel.
I want to encourage you today. If you do not generally read, start reading your Bible each day. Also, stop and say a simple prayer and remember to think about the needs of others. These acts will reduce your anxiety. More importantly, these acts will take the focus off yourself and cause you to care for the needs of your family, friends, and neighbors. These acts are contagious and will have a domino effect that can impact your attitude and the attitudes of those around you.