FEAR

Throughout the Bible, we are admonished to ... 'fear not'. 

If left to our own devices, obedience to this command would be impossible. We're in a great battle, and one of our enemy’s tactics is to promote fear. Having a self-willed 'stiff upper lip' can't disarm the weapons of his warfare.  

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12)

Thankfully, Christians have a powerful advocate ... He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. (1 John 4:4)

So the key to overcoming fear is ... FAITH. 

Allow the following verses to bolster your confidence in the Lord's ability to guard your heart and mind: 

• Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)

• He will not fail you or abandon you. Do not fear or be dismayed. (Deuteronomy 31:8)

• The Lord is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear? The Lord is the refuge and fortress of my life - whom shall I dread? (Psalm 27:1)

Faith overcomes fear of any kind, and by it we take our stand. 

Alexander McLaren - Faith and fear are opposite poles. If a man has the one, he can scarcely have the other in vigorous operation. He that has his trust set upon God does not need to dread anything except ... the weakening or the paralyzing of that trust. 

Remember: Prayer can free you from that which troubles your soul ... I sought the Lord, and He answered me. He delivered me from all my fears. (Psalm 34:4)

Focus your eyes on God ... not your circumstances.