Quiet Time: Know Your Enemy: FEAR

This Quiet Time will help you identify and overcome your fears and properly expose the fears that are often at the root of many of our problems.

God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” Hebrews 13:5-6

This scripture is communicating a promise from God and how that promise should keep us from being afraid of men. We have confidence in someone or something that is reliable and capable of doing what we need it to do. Confidence in God comes from believing God’s Promise. What is God promising? Do I believe that promise? Why or why not? When I am afraid of people, what am I forgetting about God?

The Lord is my shepherd; I have everything I need. He lets me rest in green pastures. He leads me to calm water. He gives me new strength. He leads me on paths that are right for the good of his name. Even if I walk through a very dark valley, I will not be afraid, because you are with me. Your rod and your walking stick comfort me. You prepare a meal for me in front of my enemies. You pour oil on my head; you fill my cup to overflowing. Surely your goodness and love will be with me all my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23

This scripture communicates that God is a shepherd. A shepherd, protects and cares for his sheep. Fear often comes when we rely on ourselves for protection. Are you aware when you are relying on yourself for protection? Where do you go for security?

Everyone who confesses that Jesus is God’s Son participates continuously in an intimate relationship with God. We know it so well, we’ve embraced it heart and soul, this love that comes from God. This way, love has the run of the house, becomes at home and mature in us, so that we’re free of worry on Judgment Day – our standing in the world is identical with Christ’s. There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life – fear of death, fear of judgment – is one not yet fully formed in love. We, though, are going to love – love and be loved. First we were loved, now we love. He loved us first. 1 John 4:15-19

God is love. Love comes from God. Love overcomes fear. Fear stops us from being who we are meant to be and doing what God has called us to do. A real relationship with God actually inspires us to love others and when we are loving people, we are not fearful of them. Write down three things that make you afraid of people. (These are often things you think about daily or often) How do these fears affect your relationships? If you were focusing on loving people, how would that change your thought life? Challenge:

• Make a list of people you want to love and care about. Pray about them.
• Pray with emotion: Use and emotions chart and take 5 min. to write out what you’re feeling so you can pray about it.
• Pray with focus: Find a cool spot, away from distractions, to pray. Take a friend with you and help each other pray.
• Pray throughout the day and in the moment: Whether you are on your way to a class, or to the bathroom, take breaks and remember to pray, even if it’s just 1 min.