Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!
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JFH Devotionals by J.M. Farro


Increasing Freedom from Anxiety and Fear


"May God bless you richly and grant you increasing freedom from all anxiety and fear." - 1 Peter 1:2 TLB


When I first saw this verse in the Living Bible years ago, I said, "I want that, Lord!" I have struggled with anxiety and fear for most of my life, and until I began reading the Bible, I thought that I had no choice in the matter. Here, the apostle Peter was telling me that I could actually experience "increasing freedom from ALL anxiety and fear."

But how? My answer came in the form of the Amplified translation of this verse. "May grace and peace [that special sense of spiritual well-being] be yours in increasing abundance [AS YOU WALK CLOSELY WITH GOD]." How do we walk closely with the Lord? We spend time alone with Him - reading His Word, listening for His voice, praying and sharing our most private thoughts and deepest desires with Him. And we make pleasing Him our number one priority - being willing to offend even our closest loved ones, rather than offend Him.

Scripture says, "Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?" (Amos 3:3 NKJV) In order for us to walk closely with God, we need to be in agreement with His laws, His truth, and His principles. The more we align our beliefs and actions with Scripture, the better we will hear the Lord's voice and be empowered to obey Him. This involves following the leadership of the Holy Spirit.

The apostle Paul wrote, "Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit's leading in every part of our lives." (Galatians 5:25 NLT) The Amplified translation puts it this way: "If we [claim to] live by the [Holy] Spirit, we must also walk by the Spirit [with personal integrity, godly character, and moral courage - our conduct empowered by the Holy Spirit]." Walking closely with God means walking in the Spirit, and becoming more and more like Christ all the time.

As followers of Christ, you and I have the potential and privilege to experience "increasing freedom from ALL anxiety and fear." Let's not settle for anything less.

Prayer: Lord, teach me what it means to walk closely with You. Renew my mind so that I will always be in agreement with Your laws and Your truth. Help me to spend undistracted and unhurried time alone with You and Your Word on a regular basis - pouring out my heart to You, listening for Your voice, and drawing on Your strength. Thank You that as I follow Your Spirit's leading in every area of my life, I will experience the freedom from anxiety and fear that is my inheritance in Christ!

- J. M. Farro

 

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This Friday, August 22, 2025
ALBUMS
The Choir Room Love Never Fails [Centricity]
Travis Greene Made in the South [Tribl]
Lecrae Reconstruction [Reach]
Lizzie Morgan Not My Will [Provident]
Josiah Queen MT. ZION [Capitol CMG]

SINGLES
John Allan Heaven Secrets - Single [Centricity]
Seth Davey The Highs and Lows - Single (independent)
Darlene Zschech, CeCe Winans Shout To The Lord - Single [The Fuel]
Dex the nerd who loves Jesus GRACE - Single [Syntax]
Drea LP & OnBeatMusic A Sign - Single [Syntax]
Dust and Grace Hallelujah - Single [MTS]
Anthony Evans You're Not Finished (feat. Kaleb Carson) - Single [SJP]
Fepeste That's Okay - Single [Velvet Blue]
Forrest Frank THE ROCK (feat. Crowder) - Single [River House / 10K]
Good Weather Forecast Today (feat. Elijah Thomas) - Single [DREAM]
J.Solo Fair Warning ft. Knaladeus - Single [Syntax]
Tasha Layton The One You Love (feat. Rachael Lampa) - Single [BEC]
Mainstream Worship Invitation - Single [DREAM Worship]
Tyson Motsenbocker Future Seer - Single [Tooth & Nail]
Polished Arrow Bitter Waters - Single [Polished Arrow]
R.kitect, RJ Payne, m1L Lion King - Single [Syntax]
Rave Jesus I Met God On The Dancefloor - Single [Provident]
Saints in Exile & Czar Josh Becoming the Villain (Remix) - Single [Syntax]
Mackenna Swann Focusing on the Light - Single [Rixon]
tonyxtrotter Days of Old - Single [Syntax]
tylerhateslife. brave. - Single [Syntax]
V1 Worship Been So Faithful - Single [DREAM Worship]
Zach Williams Hated - Single [Provident]

This Saturday, August 23, 2025
ALBUMS
Brandon Hixson The Dawn of Mercy (independent)

Next Friday, August 29, 2025
ALBUMS
Jenn Chenoweth Out To Get Me - EP (independent)
Paul and Hannah McClure After Your Heart (Live) [Bethel]

SINGLES
Ashes Awaken A Better Way - Single [MTS]
CAIN Jesus Lifted Me (feat. Brooke Ligertwood) - Single [Provident]
MATTHEWS Don't Stop 'Til - Single [Curb]
Vineyard Worship Joy In Obedience - Single [Vineyard UK]
Zane Walls Dry Bones - Single [DREAM]



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