It’s that time of year again. Comical ghosts and witches hang from people’s trees, and corn mazes are celebrating Halloween by putting scary components into it.
Who knew that fear could make such money! Billions upon billions of dollars are spent a year to make us jump and scream, as we watch movies and videos that fuel our deepest nightmares. Why such an odd relationship with fear? We love it, but we hate it.
In the real world—past everything Halloween has to offer—there is much to be afraid of. Fearof.net reports the top 100 phobia’s list, with arachnophobia (fear of spiders) coming up first. Outside of our personal phobias, we fear death, destruction, and rejection. What are we to do, as Christians, when the pangs of fear come and anxiety causes us complete distress?
Psalm 56:3 gives us the antidote for ANY fear we might be facing.
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” (Psalm 56:3, ESV)
You may be saying, “Annalee, you don’t understand the amount or complexity of my anxiety. This just seems like an easy answer, a band aid to put on my problems. I need much more than this!” Friend, I want to encourage and be honest with you: I know the problem of anxiety well. I have been dealing with social anxiety and emetophobia, the fear of throwing up, for a little over 5 months now. At any time, my thoughts turn towards a plethora of anxiety-inducing thoughts, including the fear of throwing up in front of people, and the idea of throwing up itself. It has caused me extreme distress, not only mentally, but emotionally and physically, too. As if this were not enough, I am taking a Public Speaking class where these fears seem to have a much higher chance in my brain of actually happening!
Today, on the eve of having to give a group presentation, I want to say that I, too, know what you are going through—and that Jesus wants to give us truths to hold on to when the enemy and our own minds try to lie to us. I encourage you to place these verses in your arsenal when attacked by the enemy with fear!
In the panic of anxiety, remember who you are, and whose you are. Your Father in Heaven is faithful; Jesus will never leave your side, and the Holy Spirit is your Helper (Deuteronomy 7:9; Matthew 28:20; John 14:26). Things get scary, and terrifying even, I know. But Christ has gotten you this far, hasn’t He? May God comfort and still our racing hearts as He reminds us that 1) He is with us, and 2) He will help us, just as He always has.
Do you know Jesus?
“…And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
(Matthew 28:20, ESV)
These were some of Jesus’ last words before He ascended up to heaven. He promised this one very profound thing, because He knew it is what people need most: First, His Salvation, and two, the knowledge of His near Presence.
Where are you at today with Jesus? Is He a myth to you? Are you confused about why He came and died in the first place? Learn more about Jesus here.
Please pray for…
- The Chibok girls, and Leah Sharibu. Reports have said that Leah is being held as a slave. Pray she returns home soon!!!
- For all those struggling with anxiety, depression, and mental illness. There are many more people in this category than we could know.
Thank you for your prayers.
ISAIAH 62 PRAYER MINISTRY 