fear – Inner Beauty Bible Study

FICKLE FEELINGS CH 3: FAITH FOR FEAR

After my first manic episode, I was filled with fear. I was afraid of the mania returning. The saddest part of all was that I was afraid of being happy. Every time I felt joy or laughed, I was certain that the mania was returning. I cried out to God for help. He met me right where I was and carried me through that tumultuous time. It took quite a while before this fear of being happy subsided. It took several times of crying out to God for His strength to get me through this time. On the other side, I look back now and thank God for bringing good out of the bipolar disorder, by filling me with faith instead of fear.

MEMORY VERSE

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1, NIV).

WHAT’S IN A WORD?

Fear…

Fear is “a feeling of anxiety and agitation caused by the presence or nearness of danger…timidity” (Webster’s New World College Dictionary). It is “to be afraid or apprehensive” (Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary). It is “cowardice and timidity” (Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words).

Faith…

Faith is “unquestioning belief in God” (Webster’s New World College Dictionary). It is “belief and trust in and loyalty to God” (Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary). It is “a firm conviction, producing a full acknowledgment of God’s revelation or truth” (Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words).

HIDDEN GEMS

Fear can cripple us when we are in the midst of a trial. We may not know how to deal with this fear. The good news is that we can cry out to God for help and strength in the midst of the trial.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9, NIV).

Read Joshua 1:9. What did the Lord command Joshua?

What did God not want Joshua to be?

What comforting promise did God give to Joshua?

God will indeed be with us wherever we go. In this, we draw strength and courage. We need not fear for God is with us.

“The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1, NIV).

Read Psalm 27:1. How did David describe God?

What did David not be?

What is the Lord as of David’s life?

How did David end this passage?

We have nothing to fear as God is indeed our light and salvation. As a stronghold, the Lord gives us strength instead of weakness and fear.

“So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?’” (Hebrews 13:6, NIV).

Read Hebrews 13:6. How did they speak?

What was the Lord in this passage?

What will he not be?

What question did the author of Hebrews ask?

Man cannot harm us if we draw strength and faith from God. We need not fear man. Instead, we can approach God for His power.

“My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power” (1 Corinthians 2:4-5, NIV).

Read 1 Corinthians 2:4-5. What was Paul’s message not with?

What was Paul’s message with?

What should our faith not rest on?

What should our faith rest on?

When we rely upon the Holy Spirit, we will reach others in power. Our faith is strengthened when we rest on God’s power instead of our own. I had to learn to rely upon God’s wisdom instead of my own during the trial of bipolar disorder.

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” (Hebrews 11:6, NIV).

Read Hebrews 11:6. What is impossible to please God?

How must we come to Him?

Who does God reward?

We must earnestly seek God in faith and belief instead of cowering in fear. Faith gives us strength and resolve to face whatever comes our way. When we cry out to God in the midst of our trials, we can rely upon His strength instead of our own.

YOUR HEART’S DESIRE

“If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer” (Matthew 21:22, NIV). This is an encouraging promise for those who believe and have faith. However, we must realize that God will give what we ask for in prayer if it is His will. God knows what is best for us.

Name a trial in your life when you experienced fear.

How did you cry out to God?

What Scripture spoke to you during this time?

How did God’s presence and direction turn your fear into faith?

How did this strengthen your relationship with God?

“For we live by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7, NIV). We indeed live by faith. The world relies upon sight and feel empty. The world has no answer to the fears which intimidate them. However, we have the good news that God gives us faith to face whatever comes our way.

PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father, I surrender any fear I am experiencing right now. Fill me with faith to believe that with You, all things are possible. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

NUGGETS OF WISDOM

Faith attracts the positive. Fear attracts the negative. Author unknown

Fear imprisons, faith liberates. Fear paralyzes, faith empowers. H.E. Fosdick

Fear forces love leads, faith follows. Keith Moore

The right fear comes from faith, false fear from doubt. Blaise Pascal

Fear looks; faith jumps! Smith Wigglesworth

FEAR NOT CH 8: PEACEFUL CALM

I was informed that the cancer surgeon was to do a surgery to take out the cancerous mass in my large intestine. I became anxious as I read the preparation to the surgery. I would have to take a lot of laxatives as well as take two powerful antibiotics on an empty stomach. I realized that I could handle the surgery but the prep was making me anxious. As the week before it seemed to rush ahead, I had a CT scan to determine if the cancer had spread. The test showed that the cancer had spread to the liver. I cried out to God for help. The cancer surgeon called with the results and informed me that they could no longer do the operation since the cancer had spread. Although I was concerned about the results, I was relieved that I would not have to do the prep. I asked God for His peace and strength to get me through the days ahead. I experienced a calmness and strength in my spirit and thanked God for His peace that passes all understanding.

MEMORY VERSE

“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, NIV).

WHAT’S IN A WORD?

Calm…

Calm is “lack of agitation or excitement; tranquility; serenity” (Webster’s New World College Dictionary). It is “quiet and free from disturbance” (Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary).

Peace…

Peace is “an undisturbed state of mind; absence of mental conflict; serenity” (Webster’s New World College Dictionary). It is “freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions” (Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary). It is “the harmonized relationships between God and man” (Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words).

HIDDEN GEMS

“The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace” (Psalm 29:11, NIV). It can be easy to become overwhelmed and anxious in today’s world. Bad news surrounds us. However, we can focus upon God and the good news of the Bible. When we do so, our anxiety will leave and we will be blessed with peace.

“Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it” (Psalm 34:14, NIV).

Read Psalm 34:14. What are we to turn from?

What are we to do?

What are we to seek and pursue?

Jesus tells us to do good. We are not saved by good works but we can do good to others and be richly rewarded in heaven. We can praise God as we seek and pursue His peace in the midst of our storms.

“Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble” (Psalm 119:165, NIV).

Read Psalm 119:165. Who has great peace?

What can make them stumble?

Oh, how I love God’s Word. The Bible guides and directs our steps. When we read His Word daily, we will be filled with His peace that passes all understanding. We will grow in our Christian walk as a result of reading His Word.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33, NIV).

Read John 16:33. Why did Jesus tell His followers these things?

What will we have in this world?

What has Jesus overcome?

We can be comforted by this Scripture. Although we will have trials and troubles in this world, we can have His peace to give us strength. We can then praise God for His peace that passes all understanding.

“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God” (Romans 5:1-2, NIV).

Read Romans 5:1-2. How have we been justified?

Who do we have peace with?

Through Whom do we have this peace?

How have we gained access into this grace?

What do we boast in?

It is a wonderful thing to have peace with God. When we follow Him and obey Him, we will have peace through Jesus Christ. We can praise God for this peace.

YOUR HEART’S DESIRE

“For God is not a God of disorder but of peace – as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people” (1 Corinthians 14:33, NIV). There is disorder in today’s world. We can become overwhelmed by the stressful events that happen in the world on a daily basis. However, God promises us His peace to do His work in the world.

Name a time when you struggled with anxiety and worry.

How did you feel?

How did you reach out to God?

How did God calm your spirit?

What Scripture spoke to you during this time?

How did this bring you comfort and strength?

“He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! Be still!’ Then the wind died down and it was completely calm” (Mark 4:39, NIV). Just as Jesus calmed the storm, He can calm the storms in our lives. When we focus upon Him, we will have peace in our spirits and have the strength to face whatever comes our way.

PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father, calm my anxious spirit this day. Thank You for Your peace that passes all understanding. Fill me with Your peace this day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

NUGGETS OF WISDOM

I couldn’t live in peace if I put the shadow of a willful sin between myself and God. George Eliot

There is never any peace for those who resist God. Francois Fenelon

No God, no peace. Know God, know peace. Author unknown

Peace is the tranquility of order. Augustine of Hippo

Peace reigns where our Lord reigns. Julian of Norwich

FEAR NOT CH 7: BE OF GOOD COURAGE

When I was first diagnosed with colon cancer, I initially felt fear of my life being cut short after just 52 years of age. This was accentuated when I learned the cancer had spread to my liver and bones. However, I cried out to God for help and His strength to face whatever came my way. God erased my fear and filled me with a positive expectation of seeing Jesus in heaven. I realized that whatever the future held – whether I went to heaven or was swept away in the rapture, positive would only come. My fear was replaced with great courage and joy and peace to face whatever came my way.

MEMORY VERSE

“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, NIV).

WHAT’S IN A WORD?

Courage…

Courage is “the attitude of facing and dealing with anything recognized as dangerous, difficult, or painful, instead of withdrawing from it; quality of being fearless or brave; valor” (Webster’s New World College Dictionary). It is “mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty” (Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary).

HIDDEN GEMS

“Rise up; this matter is in your hands. We will support you, so take courage and do it” (Ezra 10:4, NIV). Just do it – a phrase made popular by Nike several years ago. However, this implies doing things that please the flesh with courage. However, God desires for us to be of good courage to do the things He calls us to do. When we submit to God’s will and obey Him, we will be richly rewarded.

“Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. ‘It’s a ghost,’ they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: ‘Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid’” (Matthew 14:25-27, NIV).

Read Matthew 14:25-27. How did Jesus go out to the disciples?

How did the disciples react?

What did they think Jesus was?

How did they cry out?

What did Jesus say to them?

Jesus appeared to the disciples in a way they were not expecting. We may cower in fear but Jesus calls us to be of good courage. When we see Jesus in our lives, we will act in courage to reach the lost of this world.

“When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13, NIV).

Read Acts 4:13. What did the people see in Peter and John?

What did they realize?

How did they react?

What did they take note of?

People will take note of our courage when we are in the center of God’s will. The world may see us as “unschooled,” but God uses the foolish things to confound the wise. I know this was the case in my own life. God used my weaknesses, including writing and the experiences of bipolar disorder, to make something beautiful out of it. When I obeyed God and His calling for my life, I was fulfilled.

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love” (1 Corinthians 16:13-14, NIV).

Read 1 Corinthians 16:13-14. What are we to be on?

How are we to stand firm?

What two things are we to be?

What are we to do everything in?

Courage is fueled by belief in Christ. We must remember that we can do nothing without God’s strength instead of our own. When we act in courage, we can move mountains.

YOUR HEART’S DESIRE

It takes courage to perform God’s will for our lives. We may think we cannot do it but God promises us to give us His strength instead of our own strength. In this way, God will be glorified.

Name a time when you felt fear.

How did you react?

How did you reach out to God?

How did God give you courage?

What was the result?

God promises to give us courage to face whatever comes our way. Whether it be illnesses or injury or other trials, we can go to God for His strength to face the trial. We will overcome the trial in God’s strength instead of our own.

PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father, I pray that You grant me the strength and courage to face this day. I pray that You be glorified as I do Your will for my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

NUGGETS OF WISDOM

Courage is not the absence of fear, but the mastery of fear. Author unknown

Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen. Author unknown

Courage faces fear and thereby masters it; cowardice represses fear and is thereby mastered by it. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Without courage, wisdom bears no fruit. Baltasar Gracian

Courage is grace under pressure. Ernest Hemingway

FEAR NOT CH 6: LIVE BY FAITH

“The cancer has spread to your liver.” The words from the cancer surgeon were unexpected. However, I was amazed at the peace I experienced as I heard the news. I realized that I was in God’s hands. I was doing His will by writing the Bible study blog. God gave me the verse “to live is Christ and to die is gain” as I started going through this trial. I realized I was in a win-win situation. I actually felt joy as I knew that God was comforting me. My faith in God had been strengthened through the many bipolar episodes I experienced. Now my feet were on a solid Rock on which I stand. I thanked God for filling me with His peace that passes understanding as I faced the trial of cancer.

MEMORY VERSE

“Clearly no one who relies on the law is justified before God, because the righteous will live by faith” (Romans 1:17, NIV).

WHAT’S IN A WORD?

Faith…

Faith is “unquestioning belief in God” (Webster’s New World College Dictionary). It is “belief and trust in and loyalty to God” (Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary). Faith is “a firm conviction…a personal surrender to Him…a conduct inspired by such surrender” (Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words).

HIDDEN GEMS

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1, NIV). Faith builds our spiritual muscles. As we God through trials in our lives, we learn to live by faith. Faith is not in the seen but in the unseen. God is right there for us in any trial that we face.

“The disciples went and woke him, saying, ‘Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!’ He replied, ‘You of little faith, why are you so afraid?’ Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm” (Matthew 8:25-26, NIV).

Read Matthew 8:25-26. What did the disciples ask of Jesus?

What did they think would happen as a result of the storm?

How did Jesus respond?

What did Jesus do?

We all have storms we go through in life. We may feel overwhelmed and anxious. The good news is that God is right there to provide peace. When we cry out to Him in the midst of the trial, we will build our faith in God as He proves Himself faithful.

Read Romans 5:1-2. How have we been justified?

What do we have with God?

What have we gained access by faith into?

What do we boast in?

Early on in my Christian walk, I would boast of my accomplishments. However, God humbled me through the bipolar disorder. I drew near to Him and He strengthened my faith. In the same way, we can boast in the hope of the glory of God. We can praise God for being there for us through it all.

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:8-10, NIV).

Read Ephesians 2:8-10. How have we been saved?

Through what have we been saved?

What is it not from?

What is it not by?

Why is this so?

What are we created in Christ to do?

Faith is not by our own works and deeds. God freely bestows this gift on His children. When we believe in God and His Word, we will draw near to Him. We will realize how God freely strengthens our faith through the trials that we face.

YOUR HEART’S DESIRE

“For we live by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7, NIV). The world operates in the seen realm. They say, “Seeing is believing.” However, God desires for us to live in the unseen realm. When we look to God by faith, we will have strength to face whatever comes our way.

Name a trial in your life where you felt overwhelmed.

How did you cry out to God?

What Scripture spoke to you during this time?

How was your faith strengthened?

How God give you the strength to overcome this trial?

“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13, NIV). Faith remains. We have the hope of heaven as we place our faith and trust in Christ. We can praise God for being there in both the highs and lows of life.

PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for being there for me during my trials. Increase my faith in You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

NUGGETS OF WISDOM

We can never have more of true faith than we have of true humility. Andrew Murray

I do not want merely to possess a faith, I want a faith that possesses me. Charles Kingsly

A living faith is not something you have to carry, but something that carries you. J.H. Oldham

Faith expects from God what is beyond all expectation. Andrew Murray

The secret behind getting more faith, is to get to know God more. Lester Sumrall

FEAR NOT CH 5: GOD IS WITH YOU

In my previous trials, God has given me a song to cling to in order to persevere through the trial. It was no different when I discovered I had colon cancer. I then found out that the colon cancer had spread to my liver. I was caught up in a flurry of appointments. Although I fought to have a good attitude, I felt overwhelmed. I came to God for help. After my prayer, I turned on the Christian radio station. There was a song by Micah Tyler which ended, “No matter how it ends, You’re with me even then.” I found great comfort in this song. I held tightly to the promise that God would be with me no matter the outcome. I thanked God for comforting me and letting me know that He was with me.

MEMORY VERSE

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4, NIV).

HIDDEN GEMS

“That night the Lord appeared to him and said, ‘I am the God of your father Abraham. Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bless you and will increase the number of your descendants for the sake of my servant Abraham’” (Genesis 26:24, NIV). God gave these comforting words to Isaac. We have nothing to fear because God is with us. We can face our trials in God’s strength and persevere.

“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken” (Psalm 55:22, NIV).

Read Psalm 55:22. What will God do for us when we cast our cares on Him?

What will He never let the righteous be?

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise – in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” (Psalm 56:3-4, NIV). We can trust in God to carry us through any trial. This can give us comfort and strength to face whatever comes our way. We can then praise God as we trust in Him.

“When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the Lord will be at your side and will keep your foot from being snared” (Proverbs 3:24-26, NIV).

Read Proverbs 3:24-26. What should we not be when we lie down?

What will our sleep be?

What should we not fear?

Where will the Lord be?

What will He keep us from?

When I was dealing with the diagnosis of cancer, I found my sleep to be interrupted. I would toss and turn with anxiety. However, I claimed Proverbs 3:24-26 and vowed to have more restful sleep. No matter our trials, we may toss and turn with anxiety. However, we can come to God and ask Him to give us a more restful sleep as we know He is with us through whatever trial we face.

YOUR HEART’S DESIRE

“The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid” (Psalm 27:1, NIV). We have nothing to fear with God by our side. We can praise Him for being there for us. God also sent the Holy Spirit to be our Comforter.

Name a trial in your life where you felt alone.

How did you feel?

How did you reach out to God?

How did He bring you peace?

How did God give you the strength to face the trial?

How did the Holy Spirit comfort you in your trial?

“So 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, NIV). We have nothing to fear with God by our side. We can praise Him for being there and never leaving us. God will strengthen and uphold us when we reach out to Him.

PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for being there for me every day. Thank You for never leaving me alone. I reach out to You this day to find the strength to face whatever comes my way. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

NUGGETS OF WISDOM

I will not fret, for His presence is here, His timelessness, His all-importance will keep me in balance. Toki Miyashina

God has two thrones: one in the highest heaven; the other is in the lowliest heart. Author unknown

What our Lord did was done with this intent, and this alone, that he might be with us and we with him. Meister Eckhart

God is always near you and with you; leave Him not alone. Brother Lawrence

When Jesus is present, all is well, and nothing seems difficult. Thomas a Kempis

FEAR NOT CH 4: FEAR THE LORD

Growing up in church, I remember them speaking about fearing the Lord. However, I was too young to comprehend it. In my mind, I saw God up in heaven with a sledge hammer ready to strike me down every time I did something wrong. Although I was saved at the age of 8, I was terrified of God. That all changed when I was an adult. When I re-committed my life to Christ, I was filled with the unconditional love of God. I basked in His loving presence. God then gave me an acronym to describe what fearing the Lord actually meant.

Foundation (of)

Everlasting

Awe (and)

Reverence

I looked up awe and reverence and realized that I did not need to be afraid of God but to hold Him up in awe and reverence. I thanked God for this acronym. It set me free from being afraid of God.

MEMORY VERSE

“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind” (Ecclesiastes 12:13, NIV).

WHAT’S IN A WORD?

Awe…

Awe is “a mixed feeling of reverence, fear, and wonder” (Webster’s New World College Dictionary).

Reverence…

Reverence is “to regard with deep respect, love, and awe” (Webster’s New World College Dictionary). It is “profound adoring awed respect” (Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary). It is “to feel respect for, to show deference to” (Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words).

HIDDEN GEMS

“The fear of the Lord leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble” (Proverbs 19:23, NIV). We all desire life in abundance. First, we must realize the importance of lifting God up in awe and reverence. We will be content with where we are at when we fear the Lord. Trouble will not overwhelm us as we draw near to God.

“Praise the Lord. Blessed are those who fear the Lord, who find great delight in his commands” (Psalm 112:1, NIV).

Read Psalm 112:1. Who are blessed?

What do they find great delight in?

We will be blessed when we fear the Lord. When we study His Word, we will be guided in the way we should go. This will bring peace and delight.

“Serve the Lord with fear and celebrate his rule with trembling” (Psalm 2:11, NIV).

Read Psalm 2:11. How are we to serve the Lord?

How are we to celebrate His rule?

Fear and trembling are not the same as being afraid. We must hold up God in awe and reverence. God is due our utmost devotion. We can then live in peace.

“The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous” (Psalm 19:9, NIV).

Read Psalm 19:9. What is the fear of the Lord?

How long does it endure?

What are firm?

What are all the decrees of the Lord?

We will hold God up in awe and reverence not only on this world but also in heaven. We will sing praises to God in heaven. We can praise God for His Word which declares the fear of the Lord.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise” (Psalm 111:10, NIV).

Read Psalm 111:10. What is the beginning of wisdom?

Who has good understanding?

What belongs to the Lord?

We all desire wisdom and guidance from the Lord. We want to know what to do. However, we must first fear the Lord. This will draw us into a right relationship with God. We will then know what to do in any situation.

“The fear of the Lord adds length to life, but the years of the wicked are cut short” (Proverbs 10:27, NIV).

Read Proverbs 10:27. What adds length to life?

What do the years of the wicked do?

The righteous and wicked are often compared in Proverbs. As we live in righteousness, we will have life in abundance. No matter how long we live, we will have hope and peace.

YOUR HEART’S DESIRE

“Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in obedience to him” (Psalm 128:1, NIV). God desires prompt obedience. We must first fear the Lord. When we fear the Lord, we will walk in obedience to Him and know the ways of the Father.

Name a time when you thought fear of the Lord meant being afraid of God.

How did you feel?

How did this impact your relationship with God?

What changed your perspective on fearing the Lord in awe and reverence?

How did this draw you near to God?

How did this bring you joy and peace?

“Fear the Lord, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing” (Psalm 34:9, NIV). When we fear the Lord, we will have our needs met. God desires an intimate relationship with us. We can draw near to God as we lift Him up in awe and reverence. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Proverbs 1:7, NIV).

PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for always being there for me. Help me to always hold You up in awe and reverence. I now fear You, not by being afraid, but by giving You the utmost respect and honor You deserve. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

NUGGETS OF WISDOM

We will always live less than a responsible life if we fear anything other than God. Neil Anderson

The fear of God kills all other fears. Hugh Black

The remarkable thing about fearing God is that when you fear God, you fear nothing else, whereas if you do not fear God, you fear everything else. Oswald Chambers

He that leaves off prayer leaves off the fear of God. Thomas Watson

There is a virtuous fear which is the effect of faith, and a vicious fear which is the product of doubt and distrust. Blaise Pascal

FEAR NOT CH 3: ANXIETY AND UNREST

I was diagnosed with PTSD as I began facing my past. Images of the past haunted me. I felt so overwhelmed. Anxiety filled me. I began having panic attacks. As I sought help for my pain, the counselor told me to take deep breaths and meditate. However, I found no comfort and rest for my anxious soul. It wasn’t until I reached out to God for help that I received rest. I began doing deep breathing saying, “Je,” when I inhaled and “sus” when I exhaled. This helped me to keep my focus on my Savior. Instead of worldly meditation where I found no help, God led me to meditate upon His Word. This led to rest for my weary soul. Although I still had deep emotional pain to address, God was there every step of the way.

MEMORY VERSE

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6, NIV).

WHAT’S IN A WORD?

Anxiety…

Anxiety is “a state of being uneasy, apprehensive, or worried about what may happen; concern about a possible future event” (Webster’s New World College Dictionary). It is “painful or apprehensive uneasiness of mind usually over an impending or anticipated ill” (Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary). It is “to draw in different directions, distract…that which causes this…especially an anxious care” (Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words).

HIDDEN GEMS

Fear creates anxiety and unrest in our souls. We no longer have peace but confusion. We may not know where to turn. The world encourages us to rely upon ourselves in the midst of our trials. However, God desires for us to come to Him.

“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken” (Psalm 55:22, NIV).

Read Psalm 55:22. What are we to cast on the Lord?

What will the Lord do?

What will the Lord never let the righteous be?

As I faced colon cancer, I learned quickly how easily anxiety could overwhelm me. However, God was right there for me. As I casted my cares upon Him, I experienced His peace that passes understanding. We can live in the moment as we cast our cares upon the Lord. This will eliminate our anxiety.

“Trouble and distress have come upon me, but your commands give me delight. Your statutes are always righteous; give me understanding that I may live” (Psalm 119:143-144, NIV).

Read Psalm 119:143-144. What two things came upon the psalmist?

What gave the psalmist delight?

What are God’s statutes always?

What did he pray for God to give him?

Why did he ask for understanding?

God’s Word indeed gives us delight. With understanding, God opens our eyes to the meaning of the living Word of God. We can look up Scriptures on peace to eliminate our anxiety and fear of what may come.

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:33-34, NIV).

Read Matthew 6:33-34. What are we to seek first?

What will happen as a result?

What are we not to worry about?

What will tomorrow do?

What does each day have?

Worry creates anxiety. We can worry about a multitude of things, including things in the future. However, I learned as I cast my worries onto God, I realized that many of the things I was worried about never came to pass. This gave me peace to face whatever came my way. In the same way, we all can learn not to worry about something that may happen in the future but live in the moment and enjoy all the blessings God has for us.

YOUR HEART’S DESIRE

“Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up” (Proverbs 12:25, NIV). Anxiety and unrest can indeed weigh us down. We can easily become overwhelmed by the situation because of fear. However, God desires for us to come to Him and surrender to Him for His peace.

Name a time when you experienced anxiety and unrest.

How did worry play a factor in this situation?

How did you feel?

How did you come to God?

How did you cast your cares upon Him?

How did this bring you peace?

How did you praise God for His peace?

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7, NIV). God cares for each one of us individually. He desires to come to our rescue from fear and anxiety if we only come to Him. When we come to Him, God is there for us with open arms ready to give us His peace that passes all understanding.

PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father, I come to You this day to bring You the worries and fears I am experiencing right now which is creating anxiety in my soul. Thank You for releasing me of my burdens as I come to You because You love me with an everlasting love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

NUGGETS OF WISDOM

Do not anticipate trouble, or worry about what may never happen. Keep in the sunlight. Benjamin Franklin

Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but only empties today of its strength. C.H. Spurgeon

Oh, how great peace and quietness would he possess who should cut off all vain anxiety and place all his confidence in God. Thomas a Kempis

If you spend your whole life waiting for the storm, you’ll never enjoy the sunshine. Horace

Many of us crucify ourselves between two thieves – regret for the past and fear of the future. Author unknown

FEAR NOT CH 2: DOUBTFUL FEAR

Colon cancer – a diagnosis I was not expecting. Initially, thoughts of doubt and fear filled my mind. I cried out to God for help. As I did, God filled me with His peace that passes understanding. God gave me the Scripture to live is Christ and to die is gain. I realized that I was in a win-win situation. I began praying for God to heal me. I began believing that nothing is impossible with God. I thanked God for being there for me in this trial and filling me with His peace.

MEMORY VERSE

“But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind” (James 1:6, NIV).

WHAT’S IN A WORD?

Doubt…

To doubt is “to be uncertain in opinion or belief; be undecided” (Webster’s New World College Dictionary). It is “uncertainty of belief or opinion that often interferes with decision-making” (Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary). It is “to be thoroughly perplexed with a perplexity amounting to despair” (Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words).

Believe…

To believe is “to have trust or confidence as being true, real, good” (Webster’s New World College Dictionary). It is “to accept as true, genuine, or real” (Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary). It is “to place confidence in; to trust” (Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words).

HIDDEN GEMS

Doubt and fear go hand in hand. When we doubt, anxiety creeps in. We can easily become overwhelmed. However, we can reach out to God. He will then put joy and peace instead of doubt, fear and anxiety.

“When I said, ‘My foot is slipping,’ your unfailing love, Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy” (Psalm 94:18-19, NIV).

Read Psalm 94:18-19. What did the psalmist say?

What supported him?

What was great within him?

What brought him joy?

Consolation means “comfort; solace” (Webster’s New World College Dictionary). God desires for us to come to Him for comfort. The anxious cares of this world can overwhelm us. However, when we believe God is there for us, we will find comfort and peace.

“Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. ‘You of little faith,’ he said, ‘why did you doubt?’” (Matthew 14:29-31, NIV).

Read Matthew 14:29-31. What did Peter do?

Who did he come toward on the water?

What happened when Peter focused on the wind?

What did he begin to do as a result?

What did he say to Jesus?

What did Jesus do?

What did Jesus say?

Doubt can creep into our everyday lives. We may start out believing and strong in our faith. However, we can begin to focus on our circumstances and start to sink. However, Jesus is right there for us to pick us up and put us on a solid foundation of faith and peace.

“‘If you can’?’ said Jesus. ‘Everything is possible for one who believes.’ Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, ‘I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!’” (Mark 9:23-24, NIV).

Read Mark 9:23-24. What did Jesus say?

When is everything possible?

How did the boy’s father respond?

Help my unbelief – we have a Savior who understands us. When we are in a time of doubt and unbelief, we can come to Him and ask Him to help us overcome our unbelief. We can then believe and not doubt.

YOUR HEART’S DESIRE

“Do not let your hearts be troubled, You believe in God; believe also in me” (John 14:1, NIV). It is easy to get caught up in the troubles of this world. We can doubt and fear the outcome. However, Jesus calls us to believe and not doubt. When we do, we will experience peace.

Name a time when you felt overwhelmed by the cares of this world.

How did this affect your relationship with God?

How did you reach out to God in prayer?

What Scripture spoke to you during this time?

What was the result?

“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours” (Mark 11:24, NIV). We can come boldly to God in prayer and ask Him for anything. God desires an intimate relationship with us. When we ask anything according to God’s will, we will receive it.

PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father, help me not to get caught up in the cares of this world and doubt. Help me to not fear but to believe in You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

NUGGETS OF WISDOM

A closed mind is a sign of hidden doubt. Harold deWold

Every step toward Christ kills a doubt. Theodore L. Cuyler

Most doubts have far more to do with wrong thinking or no thinking at all than with too much thinking. Os Guinness

The wise are prone to doubt. Greek proverb

It is common for men to make doubts when they have the mind to desert the truth. Samuel Rutherford

FEAR NOT CH 1: PARALYZING FEAR

After my first manic episode, fear gripped me. Unlike the manic episodes after that where I blacked out a lot of the manic episode, I remembered every detail of my first manic episode. I was paralyzed with fear. I struggled with flashbacks. I cried out to God for help. He met me right where I was at and gave me a unique gift – laughter. God helped me to see that He was given me laughter to put my anxiety at ease. I took my manic episode seriously but I laughed at the foolish mistakes I had made. This put joy in my heart and gave me the strength to get through one of the most difficult times in my life.

MEMORY VERSE

“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7, NIV).

WHAT’S IN A WORD?

Fear…

Fear is “a feeling of anxiety and agitation caused by the presence or nearness of danger; timidity; dread; fright” (Webster’s New World College Dictionary). It is “an unpleasant often strong emotion caused by anticipation or awareness of danger” (Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary). Fear “denotes cowardice and timidity” (Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words).

HIDDEN GEMS

“The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1, NIV). Fear can paralyze us. The good news is that God is with us every step of our Christian journey. We can praise God for giving us boldness and courage instead of fear and anxiety.

“He shall say: ‘Hear, Israel: Today you are going into battle against your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not panic or be terrified by them. For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory’” (Deuteronomy 20:3-4, NIV).

Read Deuteronomy 20:3-4. How did God address the Israelites?

What four things did God tell them not to be?

Who went with them?

Who did they fight against?

What did God promise to them?

We need not panic with God on our side. The Israelites were going into battle and God wanted them to know that He was on their side. He told them not to be fainthearted or afraid due to the battle.

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea” (Psalm 46:1-2, NIV).

Read Psalm 46:1-2. What two things described God in this verse?

What will they not do?

What two things described trials?

What a promise – God is our refuge and strength. God is there for us in our trials. We need not fear because God is with us to give us His peace and strength. We can then praise God for getting us through the trial with increased faith.

“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, NIV).

Read John 14:27. What did Jesus leave with us?

What does Jesus not give to us as?

What are we not to let our hearts be?

What are we not to be?

Jesus gives us the gift of His peace. Fear can seem overwhelming at times but Jesus promises us His peace when we come to Him. This will give us the strength to face any trial that comes our way instead of fear and anxiety.

“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 perfect in love” (1 John 4:18, NIV).

Read 1 John 4:18. What is there no fear in?

What does perfect love drive out?

What does fear have to do with?

What is the one who fears not made perfect in?

Perfect love drives out fear. God loves us and desires to drive out any fear that we experience. We need only to come to Him in prayer and leave the fear with Him. It is then that God will give us His perfect love.

YOUR HEART’S DESIRE

“Do not tremble, do not be afraid. Did I not proclaim this and foretell it long ago? You are my witnesses. Is there any God besides me? No there is no other Rock; I know not one” (Isaiah 44:8, NIV). Fear is provoked by the news of this world that we live in. However, God does not desire for us to be paralyzed with fear. We can focus upon God and His strength.

Name a trial in your life where you felt fear?

How did it make you feel?

How did God’s presence give you peace?

How did this strengthen your faith?

How did you feel as you got to the other side of your trial?

Trials can overwhelm us with fear. However, God desires for us to bring our fears to Him. God never intended for us to carry our fears. When we bring them to God, we will experience peace instead of the burden of fear.

PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father, I surrender any fear that I am experiencing right now. Give me your peace that passes all understanding instead. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

NUGGETS OF WISDOM

To the pure in heart nothing really bad can happen. Not death but sin should be our great fear. A.W. Tozer

Courage faces fear and thereby masters it. Cowardice represses fear and is thereby mastered by it. Martin Luther King

The only thing we have to fear is fear itself. Franklin D. Roosevelt

As we are liberated from our fears, our presence automatically liberates others. Nelson Mandela

Fear closes the ears of the mind. Sallust

TOTAL TRUST CH 5: COURAGEOUS TRUST

God, I’m so afraid of being happy! I prayed to God with an anxious mind. I had just experienced my first manic episode. I experienced a high and happiness like no other. I also made foolish decisions like giving my money away. Thoughts which once gave me ecstasy now tormented me. After this episode, I associated happiness with mania. Every time I experienced happiness, memories of the manic episode surfaced. The thoughts kept replaying in my mind. I was distraught and felt alone. However, when I reached out to God for help, He told me to be strong and courageous. I thanked God for giving me the courage to face the actions of the manic episode. God also placed His joy in my heart. He gradually replaced my fear of being happy with joy. I learned that happiness is fleeting but the joy of the Lord is my strength. Through it all, my trust in God was increased as I relied upon Him to heal my memories of the manic episode.

MEMORY VERSE

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9, NIV).

WHAT’S IN A WORD?

Courage…

Courage is “the attitude of facing and dealing with anything recognized as dangerous, difficult, or painful, instead of withdrawing from it” (WNW, p. 341). It is “mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty” (MWD, p. 287). Courage is “to be bold” (Vine’s 1, p. 134).

HIDDEN GEMS

It takes courage to trust in God and His commands. Many times, the trials in our lives can create fear within us. However, when we reach out to God, He is there for us to comfort us and give us the strength we need. Many times, in the Bible, when God is calling a person to a specific task, He tells them to be strong and courageous. Although fear may be present, we can lean on God for courage to meet the task at hand.

Read Matthew 14:25-31. How did Jesus appear to the disciples?

How did the disciples react?

What did the disciples think Jesus was?

How did they cry out?

How did Jesus respond?

What request did Peter make?

How did Jesus respond?

What did Peter do?

What did Peter do when he saw the wind?

How did Jesus respond?

When Peter focused upon Jesus, he walked on water. However, when he looked at the waves, he began to sink. Like Peter, we can gain strength and power as we focus upon Jesus. However, when we focus upon our circumstances, we become anxious and fearful. We can trust Jesus to be there for us no matter what we are facing.

“I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:20-21, NIV).

Read Philippians 1:20-21. What did Paul hope that he would not be?

What did Paul hope for?

What did he want Christ to be exalted in?

How did Paul describe living?

How did Paul describe dying?

We can all live courageous lives as we trust in God. We may have feelings of fear and anxiety, but we do not have to focus upon them. We can have God’s peace that passes all understanding when we focus upon Him instead of our circumstances.

YOUR HEART’S DESIRE

“When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13, NIV). When people get to know us, they can see Christ in us. Like Peter and John, they can recognize that we have been with Jesus. This opens up the door to bring people to Christ as we step out in courage.

Name a time when fear was present in your life.

What did God call you to do?

How did God give you the needed strength to carry out the command?

Did this make it easier to follow God instead of fear the next time?

The Word of God must be hidden in our hearts. When we take the time each day to meditate upon Scriptures, these words will come back to us when we need them. We can trust in the Scriptures for God to illuminate them in our minds. This gives us the courage to face the difficult tasks in our lives.

Have you made it a daily practice to meditate upon Scriptures?

How has this helped your daily life?

What recent trial caused you to reach out to God?

How did you take the time to pray and ask God for help?

How did Scripture come to your mind when you needed it the most?

What is your favorite Scripture?

How does it give you the courage to face the trials in your life?

In today’s world, it is easy to become anxious and fearful. However, God commands us to be courageous. We can ignore bouts of fear by meditating upon God’s goodness found in His Word. He will give us the strength to face the trials in our lives. We can trust in God and His Word. “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13, NIV).

PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for being there for me in times of fear and doubt. Help me to focus upon You to gain courage and strength in the midst of the trials in my life. May I trust completely upon You to get me through the trials and become a stronger Christian because of it. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

NUGGETS OF WISDOM

Courage is not the absence of fear, but the mastery of fear. Author unknown

Courage is grace under pressure. Ernest Hemingway

All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them. Walt Disney

One man with courage makes a majority. Andrew Jackson

God grant me the courage not to give up what I think is right, even though I think it is hopeless. Admiral Chester W. Nimitz