How can we not be full of fears?
Q: I know the Bible says we shouldn't be full of fears, but how is that possible when so many things can go wrong? Right now, my husband and I are facing a lot of financial problems, and I can't even sleep at night worrying about them.
A: You are right; the Bible does tell us not to be overwhelmed with fear and anxiety -- and one reason is because God knows how destructive these can be. Often, in fact, our fears turn out to be more harmful to us than the actual thing we fear. I pray this won't happen to you.
How can we control our fears, especially when something is clearly threatening us? First, we need to face them honestly. Some people deal with their fears by denying the problem or acting as if it didn't exist -- but that isn't wise. Some even turn to alcohol or drugs to escape their fears -- although that only makes them worse. Instead, when something threatens us, we need to ask God for wisdom to deal with it in practical ways (perhaps with help from others). Have you done this in your situation? The Bible says, "A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge." (Proverbs 22:3)
Second, we need to learn to put our situation into God's hands and trust Him for the outcome. Have you ever asked yourself what the opposite of fear is? It isn't just peace; it is trust -- trust in God, and trust in His love for us. God's promise is for you: "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you." (Isaiah 41:10)
Remember, if we can trust Christ for our eternal salvation, we surely can trust Him for our daily lives. Open your heart to Christ, and then ask Him to help you trust Him in everything.
Billy Graham
Q: I know the Bible says we shouldn't be full of fears, but how is that possible when so many things can go wrong? Right now, my husband and I are facing a lot of financial problems, and I can't even sleep at night worrying about them.
A: You are right; the Bible does tell us not to be overwhelmed with fear and anxiety -- and one reason is because God knows how destructive these can be. Often, in fact, our fears turn out to be more harmful to us than the actual thing we fear. I pray this won't happen to you.
How can we control our fears, especially when something is clearly threatening us? First, we need to face them honestly. Some people deal with their fears by denying the problem or acting as if it didn't exist -- but that isn't wise. Some even turn to alcohol or drugs to escape their fears -- although that only makes them worse. Instead, when something threatens us, we need to ask God for wisdom to deal with it in practical ways (perhaps with help from others). Have you done this in your situation? The Bible says, "A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge." (Proverbs 22:3)
Second, we need to learn to put our situation into God's hands and trust Him for the outcome. Have you ever asked yourself what the opposite of fear is? It isn't just peace; it is trust -- trust in God, and trust in His love for us. God's promise is for you: "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you." (Isaiah 41:10)
Remember, if we can trust Christ for our eternal salvation, we surely can trust Him for our daily lives. Open your heart to Christ, and then ask Him to help you trust Him in everything.
Billy Graham
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