Sunday, February 5, 2023

Sunday Praise & Worship Message - Overwhelmed by Fear

One of the many movie genres is horror movies. People flock to movie theaters to be scared out of their wits as they watch the protagonist hunt unsuspecting victims. People enjoy being scared in a safe environment. They know that they are just watching the story unfold as they ride along with the victims. In the end, the theater lights come up and everything is back to normal. Everyone gets up and goes home while laughing about the situation the victims got themselves into and how some of them got out of it.

Horror or scary movies are one thing, but sometimes we fear people and what they can do to us. With the spike in crime, some people refuse to enjoy life and allow fear to overcome them. They are paralyzed by fear. They can’t see the beauty in life and concentrate on the ugliness that sometimes creeps into our world.

The author of Proverbs wrote, “Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the Lord means safety.” (Proverbs 29:25 NLT)

If you allow your fear of people to get the best of you it will keep you from enjoying life. It is so very easy to give up your happiness when you allow fear to hold you back. This fear does not have to be a physical fear. It can be emotional and mental. 

In my years of being a pastor, I have had people ask for help when they are bullied or feel that people dislike them. They often feel that they are being singled out and they cannot do anything right. They have given themselves over to fear.

The fear of man, the fear of what others may think or say about us, can be a trap that holds us back and keeps us from living life to the fullest. It can cause us to make decisions that are not in line with our values, or to avoid taking action when action is needed.

By giving into fear and allowing it to take control of your life, you have given yourself over to fear. It is now in control and you feel powerless to do anything. However, it does not have to be that way. You can look to God for help and He will provide all that you need and even more. In short, you do not have to feel that you are trapped by fear.

The good news is that there is a way to escape this trap. By putting your trust in the Lord, you can find safety and security, no matter what others may say or do. When you trust in God, you are freed from the fear of man, and are able to live with boldness and confidence.

In his second letter to Timothy, Paul wrote, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7 NLT)

You do not have to fear what men think of you or have fear in general. God has given you power, love and self-discipline. You have the ability to overcome fear through the strength that God has already provided you. So, you should never fear anyone. God has given you the power to overcome and to stand tall with your head held high. 

Life is a beautiful gift given by God. You should enjoy it and look for the best in the world. Are there things that you should fear? Yes. You do not want to go into harm’s way, but you do not need to live a life where that fear rules your life daily. When you put your trust in the Lord, you can be reassured that He will watch over you and protect you.

So, you should take Proverbs 29:25 to heart, and trust in the Lord with all your heart. Live your life with confidence and courage, knowing that you are safe in the hands of Father God. When you see someone who is allowing fear to get the best of him or her, encourage him or her to seek the Lord and trust in Him.

Joshua, in the book bearing his name, recorded the words of the Lord, “This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9 NLT)

God will stand with you daily if you let Him. When you give your life and allow Him to direct your steps, you will have peace and joy that comes from putting your trust in the Lord in your heart and be able to stand firm in His grace.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

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