What would our lives look like if we sold out to God completely instead of just going through the motions?
You and I would experience the kind of life that Christ lived. It’s not a made up life; it’s a real life. The life God intends for us to have where we would experience His power working in and through us.
We’d experience His Presence, His wonder working miracles, real change, newness of life, and lasting love, peace, and joy. In fact, we’d give testimony that all of God’s promises are a “yes” and “amen” in our lives.
You see friend, anxiety and fear can keep us up at night and shut us down during the day. Worry disturbs our thoughts; it decreases our productivity because fretfulness wastes time and energy. Relationships suffer and anxiety contributes to a host of health problems. Mostly when we fear, it’s an indication that we have a lack of trust in God.
The good news is this. We don’t have to allow these destructive emotions to control our lives. Even when we experience painful circumstances, we can also experience peace in the midst of them.
First, we have to think right. Our thoughts directly affect how anxious we feel. Take those thoughts captive or they will take you captive! Phil 4:8 encourages us to think only on what is lovely, good, and praise worthy. It says to think on these things.
Secondly, we must pray right. One thing fear does is expose the truth—we’re not really in control of anything. Something we can do is pray and cry out to God with our troubles. Phil 4:6 tells us to pray in all circumstances and situations. Prayer works. It’s where our fears and anxieties are smoothed away.
Finally, you and I must live right. Many mask their fears with drugs, alcohol, work or some other distraction. These people live with apprehension about their future both now and eternally.
Commit your worries to God. Determine to meditate on His truth instead of your problem. Surrender a new to Him and allow God to fill your life with His promised Presence. He will give you the grace to overcome your fear. Yes, you may still experience heartache and difficulties in this world, but with God you can be victorious when you decided to say, “God this is not what I planned. I don’t like it, but I’m going to trust you in it.” If you can say that, peace will you rule your heart.
Cindy says
As someone who spent several years with what was diagnosed as panic/anxiety disorder, I know well the importance of right thoughts. I had to learn to literally take every thought captive and give it to the Lord. Your blog has been a blessing to me. I hope to get your book soon and I think it is a very relevant topic for everyone in our current political and economic climate.
Lelia Chealey says
Great post Micca.
I am really enjoying your book. You have no idea of the importance of the timing of it. Thank you for writing it. Thank you for sending me a copy of it and most important..thank you for living it out first so you can teach us how to live a life of faith instead of fear.
Blessings,
Lelia
Michelle says
You’re words in this post and your book help to equip me to continue to conquer fear with faith. Thank you!
Heather - On the Road... says
Thank you Micca for this book!
I am going through the study with Lelia, and God’s timing, as always is so perfect.
The struggles I am having right now with worry and fear about our financial security, and so many other things, choices and decisions that need to be made…
I was sick with them last night. I was sick with them this morning.
I went back to bed once my husband was up with the kids and cried myself back to sleep.
But when I woke, I started going through my scripture memory that I have been doing on the LPM blog, and prayed through some bits of the Psalms… renewing my mind… truth vs. lies…. faith and trust vs. fear and anxiety.
Hard to cling to.. and all day I have been fighting. It’s very emotionally draining, but yet, I know that God is my strength, and as you quoted in the first chapter, my very present help in time of need.
Thank you for writing this book. You have no idea the way God is using it to impact so many people!
God bless,
Heather
Lea says
Hi Micca,
I’m joining in your study over at Lelia’s. Your book Untroubled Heart is a Godthing for me as well.
Lately, I’ve been under attack alot at night time with worries n fears, robbin me of my SLEEP bigtime. I know the Lord has me in the palm of His hand, but at night is when the enemy seems to slip in and steal my peace.
Thank you for sharing what you’ve learned with so many.
Lea