What do you fear most?

Several weeks ago, as I struggled with an ongoing health issue, I found myself weary and fearful. Everywhere I turned, signs of ‘this could be serious’ popped up. In my Facebook feed, via a text, and even via old memories

of debilitating fears. I wrestled with them. I struggled to sleep. I spiraled into fear. Even old chains of bondage have ways of imprisoning us yet again if we aren’t careful. When the enemy knows our weakness, he is relentless. But God pursues us even more. Don’t forget that.

In my fear, I literally wound up on my knees. As I prayed and wrestled, God met me with the most powerful reminder. In that moment, the truth I knew came rushing in. God would never taunt me, He loves me. He did not give me a spirit of fear nor does He want me to stay enslaved to it. Fear in this instance was a tool of the enemy intended to cripple me and make me ineffective. I could almost hear God’s voice say, ‘Do you think I would treat you this way? I love you.’

What in your life is the enemy using as a battle tactic to keep you afraid? If you are like me, maybe you have lived in deep fear for years. Looking back on some of my hardest seasons, I can see now that trying to remain in control was another piece of the struggle. When I finally let go, God moved and revealed the root cause of my ongoing fear. He wasn’t angry with me, but rather patient. Perhaps He knew in order for me to grow, learn and fully appreciate His grace, He needed to take His time.

What do you fear most? How are those beliefs/feelings impacting your thoughts or actions?

Who in your life is caught in the crossfire of your fears? Is it your children, your husband, your family.

How are your ‘feelings’ playing a greater role in your responses to everyday life than God’s truth?

Does your life reflect to others more faith in God or more doubt and fear?

Honestly, are you allowing your fears to overtake the faithful, surrendered life God intends for you to live?

These questions are primarily for someone, who like me, struggles with ongoing fear over everything. I do realize there will always be hard things and desperate seasons that can instigate normal fear; however, for many people, unwarranted fear is a daily battle. Anxiety and fearfulness are at all time highs in society. God’s answer is simple.

Seek Him.

Find Him.

Thank Him.

Worship Him.

Obey Him.

Trust Him.

Placing God in His rightful first place in our lives is the key to it all. His Presence the most needed and beautiful place of protection where learning to fully trust Him brings true freedom. Fully walking in obedient, reverent fear of God actually brings joy and peace. In order to escape the snares of fear, we must learn to ask hard questions and pray bold prayers.

Left unattended, deep rooted, lifelong fear leads to crippling thoughts, over sensitive emotions and unhealthy beliefs. Knowing the true character of God and how He really sees us is life changing, friends. Freedom is found in full surrender to a faithful God.

Fear of the Lord (worship, adoration and awe) is the answer to finding freedom for all of our struggles. Seeking godly counsel and guidance through His word, prayers, and others is a must. Simply seeking God more than anything else is so freeing and life giving! Through Him alone, you can have peace. He can be trusted with your fears. He can be trusted with it all, sweet friends.

~ Jennifer Johnson Woodward, October 2024