Happy Sabbath friends! Have you ever had moments in your life when you were consumed with fear? I know I have, as this is a very prevalent emotion that we will most likely deal with at some point in our lives. Today we are going to delve into what we should do when we are faced with fear that is consuming us, and possibly keeping us from the calling/purpose our Heavenly Father has placed upon our hearts.

What is fear? Merriam-Webster defines fear as “an unpleasant often strong emotion caused by anticipation or awareness of danger”. There are three different physiological reactions we may have when faced with fear…fight, flight, and freeze. These three reactions are the body’s response in hopes to protect you from the potential “danger” that could lie ahead. I know whenever I am filled with fear, my reactions tend to be freeze and flight. My body’s first response is not to fight, but to get as far away from the situation as possible, or completely shut down. I am aware of the way I deal with fear, and I am constantly trying to work on changing my body’s initial response. I want to get to the point where I am not inclined to run, or shut down, but instead, give the fear to our Heavenly Father immediately.

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”
Psalms 56:3 NIV

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7 NIV

We are not alone in experiencing the emotion of fear, as Jesus also experienced fear during His time on this earth. Jesus is a perfect example of someone who experienced fear, and did not let it consume Him and keep Him away from the purpose God placed on His heart.

“Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow. “Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.””
Luke 22:39-46 NIV

Jesus knew the cross was near. Jesus knew He was about to be arrested and killed. If I was in His shoes, I would definitely be filled with fear and possibly wanting to run and hide. Jesus knew He did nothing wrong, and yet, He still went through with the crucifixion because God placed it on His heart to do so. What a good and faithful servant! Jesus was not consumed by fear, or planning to react with a fight, flight, or freeze response…instead, He gave His worries, fears, etc., to the Lord. He even prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” Jesus gave the situation over to God because He knew God had a bigger plan.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:28 NIV

Heavenly Father…I pray over all who are reading this message that they may be filled with Your strength. I pray over anyone who may be consumed by fear that they don’t allow it to overtake them, but instead, that they give the fear(s) to You. God, You are bigger than any fear that tries to bring us down, or further away from You. Your plans are greater, and You are constantly looking out for Your children – help us to remember this so when we are faced with fear, we immediately go to You. Help us get to the point that when fear creeps in, our immediate response becomes “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done”, just as Jesus did on the Mount of Olives.

“Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.”
1 Chronicles 16:11 NIV

“I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”
Psalms 16:8 NIV

Amen.

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Merriam-Webster. (n.d.-a). Fear definition & meaning. Merriam-Webster. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fear