Better Outcomes

"I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears." - Psalm 34:4 NIV

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Some weeks ago, during my quiet time with the Lord, I heard Him speak to my spirit, saying, “You would have better outcomes if you were less fearful.” It was a loving rebuke, and I knew in my heart that it was true. I made a quality decision that day to work with the Holy Spirit to get serious about driving fear out of my life, my heart, and my mind. I knew it would not be easy, because it often seemed like my first response in almost every situation was to be fearful.

In God’s eyes, fear is unbelief. And we know from the Bible that unbelief can cut us off from receiving from the Lord all the good things He has in store for us. This is one reason why the devil works so hard to make us fearful. We have to remember that Scripture says, “Without faith, it is impossible to please God because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6 NIV) The Lord rewards faith because it honors Him when we trust Him and His promises.

These days, the moment that fear comes against me, I resist and rebuke it. I say, “Fear, I resist you! In Jesus’ name, you must GO!” Then, I quote a fear-related verse. “It is written: God has NOT given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind!” (1 Timothy 1:7 NKJV) Every time I do this with authority, the Holy Spirit goes to work to drive fear out of me, and I immediately sense His peace. Quoting David’s words in Psalm 34:4 (NIV) is a great way of declaring our faith in the face of fear: “I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from ALL my fears.” This is a promise from Almighty God to deliver us from all of our fears, as we seek His help, and rely on His saving power.

Recently, when I was struck with paralyzing fear in a situation, the Spirit of God led me to meditate on Isaiah 26:3 (NKJV), which says, “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” I began saying, “I will keep my mind stayed on You, Lord, and I will trust in You, and You will keep me in perfect peace.” This enabled me to shift my focus from my situation to God and His perfect peace. Using these principles has made all the difference in my peace of mind, and in my outcomes. Today, my heartfelt prayer for you is: “Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way!” (2 Thessalonians 3:16 NIV)

Prayer: Lord, Your Word makes it clear that I can walk in peace in this life, as I keep my eyes on You, instead of my circumstances. Teach me how to exercise the authority You have given me in Christ to overcome all fear, dread, and doubt. Thank You that as I cooperate with You and Your plans for me, You will reward me with successful outcomes that will bring glory to Your name!

- J. M. Farro

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