Real fears, real help

 

a) There comes a day…
when whistling a merry tune or giving the thumbs up sign or looking on the sunny side is not enough – I’m really scared and I need God.

b) What represents fear for me? 

• Werewolves, vampires and zombies, a dangling spider?
• Cancer, failure of treatment, relapse, death?
• What are my core fears?

c) What holds me together in a time of crisis? 

• What or who gives me a steadier pulse, inner poise and strength greater than my particular temperament or circumstance allow me?

 

Here are steps in the right direction on how to start to deal with stress:

1. Take stock of your fears and accumulated anxieties.
2. Jot down your actual fears – you MAY have been blowing things out of proportion and much of the hand-wringing could be eliminated at this early stage.
3. Note there is a  difference between feeling afraid and living in fear, being unduly dismayed and riddled with anxiety.
4. Sometimes we even enjoy our worry – ah the drama of it, the attention!

And now down to what to do with those fears!

•  1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety all your anxieties all your worries all your concerns on Jesus.  Yes, turn every worry over to him,  because he cares for you affectionately.
•  John 14:1"Do not let your hearts be troubled distressed, agitated. Don't let this throw you. Trust in God; and rely on God trust also in me. (Jesus)
• John 14: 27  Peace I leave with you; my own peace I give you and bequeath to you peace of mind and heart. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.  Don’t allow yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and unsettled. (Jesus)
• Psalm 34: 4 I sought the LORD, I looked for the Lord and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.  He took away all my fears. he freed me from my anxious fears.
• Isaiah 41:10  So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed. Do not be afraid, do not look around you in terror, for I am your God. There's no need to fear for I'm your God.   I will give you strength and yes, for sure I help you;
  yes I will uphold you with my righteous good and victorious right hand. I'll hold you steady, I will keep a firm grip on you.
• Philippians 4:⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵ Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Colossians 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your unsettled hearts.

Shalom!

If you have a few more minutes, and you would like to read about sought-out fears, see  "A hairy bus ride" and other adrennalin-pumping, action-filled adventures, this is the link where you will find just that.