Break Out of Fear

One of the chores I had when I was younger was taking the garbage out.  This usually took place at night after dinner.  Even though we lived in a safe neighborhood and the garbage cans were located on the side of our house I always had the same thought each night walking the garbage bags to the garbage cans in the dark..."There might be someone over there."Even though I knew this wasn't likely, I would always stir up that emotion of fear.  I remember the feeling of the hair on the back of my neck standing up as I would peek around the corner of the house, wondering if I was actually alone.  Every time I would freak myself out.Most of us would like to think that fear is something that we only deal with as kids.The boogie monster.The noise down the hall.The shadow that moves across our wall when we are trying to fall asleep.I've come to learn that fear isn't just a kid thing.  It's a human thing.  People at all ages, in all stages of life deal with and wrestle through all different kinds of fear.  What about you?In Luke 4:17-21 we see that Jesus came to set captives free.  He came to help us Break Out of areas that would try to hold us captive.  This includes fear.The challenge for many of us is that we do things that help to fuel our fear.  The things we choose to think, say and even believe help to feed and fuel fear, instead of casting it aside.Here is something to consider...Whatever I feed will grow.Whatever I starve will die.Everyday we can make the choice to either feed our faith or our fears.Here are two questions to consider:What is getting my focus?Whatever gets the greatest attention in our lives often ends up being the thing that we feed.  I can focus on my problems, or I can focus on God's faithfulness.  I can focus on all the areas that I don't measure up in, or I can focus on the fact that the cross says I am now qualified and loved.  What is getting your focus?What does God's Word say about it?Sometimes feelings will lie to you.  That is why it is vital that we learn to see what God's Word declares about it.  His Word will build faith, not fear.  His Word will direct us to truth.  What does God's Word say about whatever it is that you are facing?Each of us has the ability to make the daily decision to either feed our faith or our fears.  Jesus came to set captives free.  Fear binds and faith brings freedom.  Break Out of Fear.        Here are some verses to reflect on if you are battling fear:2 Timothy 1:7Isaiah 41:10Mark 5:21-24, 35-36Hebrews 10:35-11:1James 1:6Psalm 94:19