Fear. Without God.
What causes fear? Let’s think about this for a second. Why are we fearful at times?
Are we afraid of job loss? Not having enough money? Illness? Being alone? Death? Never being married or having children? Not being included in a certain group? Public speaking? Riding in an elevator? Flying on a plane? The list could go on forever. But why can these things fill us with fear? What do all of these things have in common? I can see two things that they all have in common - each one of these examples are circumstantial and they all have an unknown attached to them.
Let me share with you a personal story of fear, dealing with money.
Money will be mentioned in several of my posts, as I have struggled with it the majority of my adult life. But God has used money to help bring me closer to Him and rely solely on Him in regards to His provision.
My wife and I lived in a very nice 4000 sq. ft. house in a new development in our town. We had pretty much anything we wanted, materially speaking. We both had good jobs that were attached to large salaries that afforded us to live a lifestyle most would envy. Yet, I wanted more. So while I was thankful, I prayed that God would provide promotions and more money. Well, He did the opposite.
I had recently quit working to go back to school for a career change. At that time, my wife made enough to allow for this opportunity, so I felt led to do it. However, quickly after I got accepted into the program, my wife lost her job. No money. Again - huge mortgage, private school tuition, baseball dues for our son, car notes, etc. No money.
This is where fear came pouring in. How do you get through something like this? How is it possible? Get another job? Sure, that sounds easy enough. But what if you can’t find one that pays as well? Or what if you can’t find one at all? Who do you rely on? This was indeed a situation - circumstantial and unknown!
There was nobody that could get us out of the financial ruin we could possibly face. No rich uncle. No winning lottery ticket. We had to face the fact that this was real and we had to either be fearful and go at it alone, or turn to God and ask for peace and provision. We chose the the second option.
I would love to tell you that He immediately gave us jobs and money was flowing freely once again. No, not at all. But He did provide during this time as we would cling to him daily. It would come through random people, giving to us, or unexplained things - like a check from overpaying insurance. Yes, things were taken care of. What this comfortable? Not at all. Everyday was an unknown and this went on for a couple years.
This is a great illustration of how God can use something like our fear to bring us closer (or back) to Him. You see, even though I was thankful for His provision back when we had much, I was selfish and wanted more. He opened my eyes and allowed me to see my selfishness while also teaching me to rely solely on Him for everything.
Here are a few scriptures we relied on to get us through several months of financial hardship and the fear that came along with it.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
(Philippians 4:6)
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you,
(Psalms 56:3)
I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.
(Psalm 34:4)
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
(Philippians 4:6)
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made in perfect love.
(1 John 4:18)
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
(Isaiah 41:10)
Are you currently dealing with fear? If so, please take the time to stop, get on your knees and go to God and ask him for His perfect peace. Perhaps you are dealing with sin that has has you trapped in fear. God is waiting to forgive you. He is always there, ready for you to turn back toward him in repentance. Take the time to do that now.