What steps can we take to prevent fear from leading us away from God? Setting the Scene 1 Kings 12:27: “If these people go up to present sacrifices in the house of the LORD at Jerusalem, the hearts of these people will revert to their master, Rehoboam king of Judah. Then they will kill me and return to Rehoboam king of Judah.” Jeroboam let imagined danger overshadow God’s clear command, setting up golden calves and leading Israel into sin. His story warns us how fear can redirect even those raised up by God. A Closer Look at Fear’s Progression • It begins with a “what if” that ignores God’s promises. • It questions God’s protection and provision. • It seeks human fixes—idols, alliances, compromises. • It spreads, influencing others and shaping culture. • It ends in estrangement from God and lasting damage. Steps to Keep Fear from Detouring Our Faith 1. Remember God’s proven faithfulness. • Psalm 77:11—“I will remember the deeds of the LORD.” • Catalog answered prayers and past deliverances. 2. Rehearse God’s character aloud. • Isaiah 41:10—“Do not be afraid, for I am with you.” • Fear shrinks when His sovereignty is voiced. 3. Submit decisions to Scripture first, not feelings. • Psalm 119:105—His Word lights the path before emotions do. • Ask, “What has God already said about this?” 4. Worship where and how God prescribes. • Hebrews 10:25—“Let us not neglect meeting together.” • Regular corporate worship recalibrates the heart away from panic. 5. Seek godly counsel early. • Proverbs 15:22—Plans fail without wise advisors. • Fear isolates; counsel reorients. 6. Replace fearful imaginations with truth. • 2 Corinthians 10:5—Take every thought captive. • Journal fears, then write corresponding promises. 7. Practice daily dependence. • Matthew 6:34—“Do not worry about tomorrow.” • Focus on obeying today’s clear commands. Scripture Anchors That Conquer Fear • 2 Timothy 1:7—“God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.” • Psalm 27:1—“The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?” • Philippians 4:6-7—Prayer and thanksgiving guard hearts with God’s peace. • Romans 8:15—We have received the Spirit of adoption, not slavery to fear. Living It Out This Week • Pick one fear and counter it with a memorized verse. • Share a testimony of God’s past deliverance with a friend. • Attend worship even if anxiety tempts you to stay home. • Schedule time with a mature believer for perspective. • End each day listing three evidences of God’s care. By taking these concrete, Scripture-grounded steps, we keep fear from steering us off course and remain anchored in the God who never fails. |
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