I came across an article this week that I really identified with. The author asked if I’ve ever noticed fear does its dirty work by asking questions? It asks you questions about you. It asks you questions about God. It asks you questions about your future. And it makes you doubt. So fight back with your own questions. Here’s some to get your started:
- Who is bigger – God or your problem?
- Who loves you with a never-ending love?
- Who promised you eternal life through his only Son in a place where fear will be no more?
- Who sees you as perfect and righteous due to your faith in Christ?
- Who knocked down the walls of Jericho?
- Who got Joseph out of prison?
- Who parted the Red Sea?
- Who saved Noah from the flood?
- Who really took down Goliath?
- Who died on a cross for your sins?
- Who defeated Satan, sin and death?
- Who is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords? ~ Mitch Miller
The answer, of course, is Jesus! I like how his questions take the focus off of my problem and refocus my attention on Christ.
His exercise is similar to one of my mine when it comes to battling fear. As soon as fear starts to make me feel week, insecure or steal my joy, I quote scripture. “The battle is in the mind,” the bible says. And I want to be prepared to fight.
I began by choosing verses in the back of my bible on the topic of fear. Those that spoke to me, I wrote down on a piece of paper and kept it in a handy place. Whenever fear began its dirty work in my mind, I’d refocus my attention on God’s promises. Here are a few of my favorite.
“For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you” (Isaiah 41:13)
“Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again” (Exodus 14:13)
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6)
“So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can Man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:6)
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27)
Listen, my friend. The Lord wants you and me to learn a new habit rather than worry. He wants you and I to say,
“I trust you with my cares.”
“Your Presence and love are like a shield of protection for me.”
“Peace is mine when I keep my thoughts on You.”
“You, Lord, are with me and for me. What or whom shall I fear?”
Forming a new habit takes practice and it takes time. But I promise if you change your habit from worry to faith, it will take hold and fear will lose its grip.
You are in my prayers today. If you have a specific request, leave it in a comment and I will be happy to lift your concern to heaven above.
Have a blessed weekend!
Judy Muir says
I like that Micca……………fighting back today! Thanks!
Micca says
yay! God is on your side!!! Me, too!
Kim B says
Soo glad you’re doing this series Micca! When I went through a VERY tough trial the last couple years I found one of the only ways to make it through each day was by journaling Scripture & then picking a couple verses & praying over them in my life. My journal (along with my Bible) are now my go to books when I feel the fear starting t work it’s way back in. Really enjoying these GREAT reminders you’re giving us 🙂
Micca says
Hi Kim,
Thanks for reminding us that God’s Word is a two-edge sword that cuts through our fear! Press on!
Jackie S. says
Love this, Micca…….such a help to me! Never thought about fear raising a question!!!
Desire prayers for my pain/health issue and also for daughter in the needs she has (won’t list but God knows).
THANKS so much.
Blessings~~~
Micca says
Jackie, I’m praying for the Spirit of peace, wisdom and healing concerning your health. And my God’s will be accomplished in your daughters life. May He settle all her needs.
Mary says
Thanks Micca, you left out one of my favorite verses, Joshua 1:9. When life seems overwhelming I think about that story and God’s promise and God’s command to be courageous. Even in the face of what seems impossible. God is on my side and in HIM I find the power and strength to do more than I imagined! Have loved your posts this week. Straight to my journal they went. God Bless.
Prayer request, for my hard working hubby, who has had a hard week and it has only made him smoke more. May God break that addiction and set him free. In the meantime may I not nag, but love.
Micca says
Ah, Mary! That’s a great verse! There are so many to encourage us in God’s Word. Thank you for sharing Joshua 1:9.
I’m joining you today asking God to help break your husbands desire to smoke. May God draw him to himself and become his new strong hold. And yes, Mary, I’ll pray for strength not to nag but speak words of love and encouragement. Thank you for your honesty! love that! It made me smile. We’ve all got a little “nag” in us. 🙂
Kathleen says
Could you please pray. My husband filed for divorce and the final trial is set for 2 weeks. I have always been a stay at home mom of 4 and now have to go back to work to supplement the alimony & child support. I am afraid I won’t find a job that works around the kids schedule and that pays enough to pay all my bills. I am scared of what the future will bring.
Thank you for your prayers!
Micca says
Kathleen, the unknown future can be scary. I’ve been there. What I know is this. God has got you covered even thought you’re not there yet. Try and can keep your mind there.
When my husband died and it was just me and my son, I often worried about the future. It’s hard not to. However, I learned an important lesson. Worrying about the future is what I call “forward living” which is impossible. Why? Because we’re not there yet and because we can’t do a thing about it but pray. I also noticed I spent more time worrying than playing with my son. Don’t be like me. Keep your mind on God and His provision.
I’m praying for you as you go through this storm. May God heal your heart, calm your fears and encourage you with His presence and provision.
kathy..... says
Could you please pray for my sweet daughter Kelly. She just started 3rd year of college at a new school, knowing no one. Her new housemates/totally ignore her and live separate lives. She found 2 girlfriends at the college campus church group. They started a bible study. Girls dumped kelly because her beliefs in having a personal relationship with God, when Jesus actually speaks to you, speaking in tongues, ect is so foreign to these girls that they told her it is not biblical.And they want nothing to do with her.My daughter is just going through hard times and is not one to give up. I pray a huge barrier of protection around her, I really believe there is an evil spirit trying to get her away from the lord…Thanks for praying too…
Micca says
Hi Kathy,
It sounds like your talking about my daughter who is a Jr in college. She faces the same lonely situation. And her roommates call her a goody two shoes. So I know right where you’re coming from. A bit of advice I give my daughter is this. God makes no mistakes. He’s placed you were you are for a purpose–to be light to others. They may not accept your belief’s, but their watching. And, I tell her to call me anytime she needs encouragement. She calls every afternoon. I would be honored to pray for Kelly as I pray for my daughter, Peyton. I’d appreciate it if you would join me in praying for them both.
Nancy says
Just found your website, Micca. This is so refreshing! I have suffered from anxiety & panic disorders for most of my life, but have done a good job at hiding it from others. This past fall my teenage daughter starting having panic attacks, anxiety and depression. It’s been a very long and stressful challenge as she often has “dark and scary thoughts.” Although she’s spiritual, she thinks this is all body-chemical-related and so she isn’t fighting spiritually like I wish she would. And of course, I feel guilt because I do think some of the genetic part comes from me and my side of the family (family history of anxiety, depression) and it just kills me to watch her suffer, which of course increases my anxiety! Your website brings me hope and comfort — thank you from the bottom of my heart! God bless you and your ministry.
Micca says
HI Nancy, I’m happy to know you’re finding encouragement here. Concerning your daughter, I think you’re both right. While we do need to prayer, we also need to seek a doctor if you think your anxiety is a chemical embalance. For my daughter, it is. If you’re daughter is as well, there’s not reason to feel gulity. It’s a medical condition that can be treated.
We are made up of body, spirit and soul. All three need to be cared for. The best thing to remember is God created your daughter and she is fearfully and wonderfully made. Praying for your daughter. Blessings to you both!
Melissa says
Thank you, Micca. As I read you daily posts, I feel like each one is written just for me. I am going through some health issues and will be having surgery in a couple of weeks. It feels like fear has consumed me. I am really nervous about the surgery and what the outcome will be. You have brought me closer to understanding what fear is and how strong faith can be. Please keep me in your prayers as I struggle with letting fear go and having the surgery. Your posts have been a blessing to me. Thank you.
Micca says
Hi Melissa, I will pray for your surgery. Thank on this… in God’s economy it’s already done. That means He knows the outcome and you can trust Him. Even when we don’t understand what God is doing, we can trust HIm because everything He does is good. He is for you and with you. You are in His hands. Rest in that. Let me know how the surgery goes!
Allison Morrison says
Oh yes! The habit of fear/worry…I have dealt with these for SO long they feel like old friends- one’s that I want to be rid of for sure!! Every time I take a step forward I feel like I’m knocked back two steps. I know this is Satan- and I also know it is in my power (the power of Him in me I should say) to defeat his lies and to overcome. It’s just so hard…
Micca says
It is hard, Allison. Keep giving your fear to God and trust in Him for your cares. Just as you said, His power is in you when you’re weak. (This is the topic of Monday’s blog.) I hope you get a chance to read it! Praying!
Becky Banks says
A week ago, the 2-yr-old son of one of my dearest friend’s was diagnosed with kidney cancer. It’s been a whirlwind of emotional struggle for us. There’s of course much worry and concern involved in all of this, from his medical condition to her and her husband’s emotional and spiritual condition. They are strong Christians, but it’s so tough right now. My husband and I have also been struggling to make ends meet, and I have a home-based business that has done well in the past, but is dwindling down to almost nothing right now. I am praying for God to show us how and what to do in this area also. Thank-you for your prayers.
Micca says
Dear Becky, It’s my honor to pray for you, your business and this child along with his parents. God is incontrol.
Karen C says
Hi Micca, Thank you for the encouraging words and scriptures. I would appreciate prayer for financial provision and guidance in finding employment. Thank you very much, Karen
Micca says
Praying to the Lord, our Provider concerning your finances and employment.
Karen says
I would greatly appreciate prayer for financial provision and employment. Thank you very much.
Kaylee Ann says
Thank you so much Micca! I need this so much more than worrying about my bad-hair days!
Liz says
Hi Micca, I have learned so much from your post and book. I look so forward to continuing to strengthen my faith in God and calm my fears. Please pray that I continue to be a blessing to others and for patience in God’s timing. Thank you! I will pray for Peyton along with my (senior in college)sweet daughter too.
Sandy says
Please pray for my daughter. I cannot share details but she has lots of fears and anger. The fear seems to consume her although I have bombarded her with Bible verses. The fear has made her ‘shutdown’ on certain things. Thank you for praying.
Micca says
Sandy, I’m praying your daughter will find peace. Micca
LORRAINE PALMER says
Hi Micca,
Thank you for those words of encouragement you wrote, may the Lord continuing his Blessings on your life and your family, please pray for healing from diabetes and high blood pressure for me, and I would also like to be bless with financial help through prayers. Thank you so much for your kind words, and may you recieve all the blessings that comes your way.