Our world is being bombarded by information overload every day. Most of this information can generate fear. The question is, “What do we do with this fear?” Do we let it fly over our head, or do we let it settle and make a nest within our life?

God would have us to acknowledge the information, discern the truth, and TRUST in Him for the outcomes. Trusting God for the outcomes doesn’t mean we are without responsibility.

Let’s look at each of these steps to avoid allowing fear to nest in our lives.

Acknowledge the Information

We cannot be uninformed and put our heads in the sand because the news is overwhelming. We may need to regulate the amount of information ingested per day and attempt to get a wide range of sources so as not to be one-sided in the “slant” of narratives that fill the airwaves.

In our modern world of technology we must take greater responsibility to realize that just because it is on TV or print does not guarantee that it is truth.

This leads to our next step of preventing fear from nesting in our lives.

Discern the Truth

We are told in 2 Timothy 2:15 (MSG) to “Concentrate on doing your best for God, work you won’t be ashamed of, laying out the truth plain and simple.” Discernment usually should include additional research on your part and continued prayer asking God to open the eyes of your heart. 2 Corinthians 10:5 tells us

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

We need to become mature Christians and “continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12 NIV).

Maturity feeds our trust in God.

Trust in God

In one of my devotionals I found the following quote of Jesus speaking: “I am nearer than you think, richly present in all your moments….The more aware of my presence the safer you feel.”

What have we been doing in our life to cultivate the presence of God? His presence in our lives casts out fear. His presence is based upon us knowing His love for us. (1 John 4:18 NIV)

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

Our job as Christians is to take what we see and hand it over to our God who is unseen. Our job is to gain confidence in God; above and beyond what we see. (Hebrews 11:1 NIV)

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

The Bible goes on and gives us practical action to build and protect our faith against the flaming darts of fear. (Ephesians 6:10-18 NIV)

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

Final Thoughts

God is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 8:13). Since we know that, we also have evidence that supports God’s declaration in Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV.

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.

Paul exhorts the Christians of his day with the following words (Philippians 4:4-9 NIV). May these words also comfort you as to the alternate thoughts that will assist you to not allow fear to nest in your life.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

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God bless you. Stay hopeful!

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