Tag: Fear

Four Great Promises to Conquer Fear (Isaiah 41:10)

by markjemilbooth, posted in Christian Life, God's Attributes

 “What’s wrong with you Mark?”  This was almost a weekly question from Mrs. Randall, the nurse at Midland Elementary School.  Every Tuesday, I would literally develop an upset stomach because I was afraid to go to swimming class.  My fear of water was affecting me both emotionally and physically.  This fear would not abate until later in my life.

Fear comes in many forms, but it still has the same effect.  Our fears can dominate us spiritually, emotionally, mentally and even physically.  As our fears increase, our faith in God decreases.  We lose confidence in His promises, presence and power.  Fear keeps us from enjoying our daily walk with God and others.

Isaiah 41:10 gives us four great promises from God that enable us to conquer whatever fear is crippling our lives.  “Fear thou not; for 1) I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God:2) I will strengthen thee; yea, 3) I will help thee; yea,4) I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”  

1. When I am lonely, He promises his presence.  He will never leave me. How can I be fearful, if I know that my loving Father is with me?

2. When I am weak and feel that I can’t continue, He will strengthen me. How can I be fearful when I remember that: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13)? He will give me His strength to bear whatever comes into my life.

3. When I am in need of spiritual, emotional or physical help, He will help me.  How can I be fearful when I know that I am not facing this situation by myself?  The Lord is right there with me.  He is my help no matter how fearful the future is.

4. When I stumble or fall, He will pick me up.
How can I be fearful when I know that God will pick me up when I fall or stumble?  When Peter sinned, stumbled and fell, Jesus picked him up and restored him.  Our fear of failure often keeps us from moving forward in our spiritual lives.  This promise assures us that when we stumble, God is right there to keep us going.

In times of great fear, He is there.  God is greater than any fear that may be dominating our lives. He is our God. He will never forsake us.  The decision is ours.  Will I allow God to conquer my fears with His presence, promises, strength and great patience; or will I continue to allow my life to be controlled by my fears?  “Lord, help me to believe your promises.  May I  know that you are greater than any fear that is dominating my life.  Thank you for your presence and power that conquer my fears. Amen”

Note: A special thanks to Karla Da Silva for the photo.  The photo was taken
at Waterfall Gully in South Australia.

I Will Never Leave You (The Presence of God in the Dark Times)

by markjemilbooth, posted in Christian Life, God's Attributes
Photo by: Karla Da Silva (By Permission)

Nineteen years ago, I said goodbye to my father.  He had  suffered a stroke and I returned to the States to see him one last time.  He probably recognized me, but he couldn’t communicate with me.  My heart was heavy as I returned to Portugal. I would never  see me father again.  My father didn’t leave me by choice, but he was gone.  I miss my father greatly.

In life, we all face separation from one that has loved us.  This separation is painful; however, there is One who will never leave us.  Our Heavenly Father is always with us.  Hebrews 13:5 says: ” Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”  God is with us in the good times and He is with us in dark times.  How does His presence affect our lives?

God’s presence gives us a contented heart in dark times. The tendency in life is to complain about everything.  We want more.  We want it faster.  We want it our way.  When things don’t happen the way we desire, we become bitter and complain.  Our lack of contentment is saying that God is doing a poor job of taking care of us.

Contentment means that we find our joy and happiness in a right relationship with our Living Lord.  In spite of the tough times, we know that He is right there with us.  He will not leave us.  He will walk with us through any valley.  As the Psalmist says: “I will fear no evil, for thou art with me.”

God’s presence gives us strength in the dark times. The Word of God informs us that Our Heavenly Father will never leave us. “So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper. ” (Hebrews 13:6) The dark times in this life weaken us spiritually, emotionally and even physically.  We may feel like quitting.   God’s presence gives us strength to carry on.  God told Paul: “For my strength is made perfect in weakness.”  (Hebrews 13:6) Our weakness says to God:  “I need your strength.”  God will respond.

God’s presence gives us courage in the dark times. Dark times can bring out the coward in us.  We become fearful of people. We become fearful of the future.  We become fearful of failure.  Where do we find the courage to move forward.  “I will not fear what man shall do unto me.”  (Hebrews 13:6) God’s presence and love will cast out the fear that so easily torments us.

As a child,  I developed a fear of crossing the street.  The one street that brought out the most fear was Woodward Ave. This street had three lanes of traffic each way.  However, when my Dad had my hand the fear dissipated.  Likewise,  no matter how difficult a road we travel, Our heavenly Father has us by the hand.

My Dad has left, but my Heavenly Father will never leave me.  He is with me in the good times and the dark times.  Yes, the clouds of darkness may dim my view of God, but He is still with me.  May I lean upon Him in the darkest night so that I may see his presence in midst of the darkness.

-Mark J. Booth-

Are You Tormented by Fear?

by markjemilbooth, posted in Christian Life

Fear of the future? Fear of failure? Fear of death? Fear of rejection? Yes, fear comes in many forms. Do we have to continue to live in fear?
“There is no fear in love but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. “(1 John 4:18)
“I sought the Lord, and he heard me,and delivered me from all my fears.”
(Ps. 34:4) Fear doesn’t have to control us. God gives us the antidote for fear.
1. Remember His Perfect Love
2. Seek to Enjoy the Presence of God
3. Take your fears to the Lord.
Fear brings torment, but God is greater than any fear!