There are certainly lots of things to be afraid of. You may have lost your job or believe that it is in danger of being lost. You may wonder how you are going to pay your mortgage or how your children and grandchildren are going to pay the national debt. You may fear your boss or your spouse or the lady down the street who threatens to sue everyone who crosses her.
There is a difference between the person who is merely afraid to fly and one who is afraid. One has a specific instance in his life while the other is being bombarded by fears. The latter is anxious and becomes nervous. This can cause us to do unwise things. You just want to stop being afraid.
I have heard some motivational speakers tell how you can change your attitude and therefore your fears. I believe that most of this is just covering up what you are feeling. You somehow put your fear into another room which you never enter. It sounds good but the fear is still there. It might get out again.
The Bible tells us that we are to cast all of our fears upon God. That seems like a good thing to do but our casting seems to have a rubber band tied to it. It keeps coming back no matter how hard we cast. Casting without prayer will always result in the fear bouncing back to us.
Specifically the Bible says we should pray with an attitude of prayer and specifically what we need. The attitude we should take is one of expectation evidenced by thanksgiving. We can fully expect that God will hear our prayer unless we already know it is against His will. We can expect that God has the power, knowledge and goodness to do what we really need no matter what. This means that the circumstances do not indicate the outcome. God can enter into any circumstance and change the outcome.
The Bible also says that perfect love drives out fear. I don't have perfect love but He does. When I pray I must get close to God. (This may be the reason so many people have a hard time praying. They are actually afraid of getting close to God.) I cannot help but know Him when I pray. I cannot help but know His love. I know that He is always for me even when all hell is breaking lose around me. His perfect love drives out my fears.
What is it that frightens you? Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do not be anxious about anything but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)
Cast all your fears upon Him for He cares for You. (1 Peter 5:7)
Perfect love drives out fear. (1 John 4:18b)
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