How Do You Conquer Fear?

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze."

Isaiah 43:2 NIV

Devotion:

Conquering fear is an ongoing battle. It is impossible to rid ourselves of all distress. Each time panic arises, in an instant, we decide whether to allow it to rob us of joy and peace. Once we understand that fear has little power over us, it slowly becomes easier to surrender to the Lord and find victory over thoughts that terrify us.

Out of the blue one beautiful day, terror struck this teen. She sprinted into the surf with her siblings and friends. The white caps invited her deeper into the ocean, where her brother laughed and dove headfirst into the approaching swell. Before she ducked beneath the huge curling wave, the turbulent water crashed upon her and carried and crushed her against the hard, muddy bottom. Everyone else stood except for the girl.

Imagine playing in the ocean when an enormous wave bombards you. The tide is unpredictable and constantly changes. Unable to jump up from the water. The rushing water grabs and drags your body until it’s bruised, broken, and lifeless, or releases its hold. The heaviness and power of the huge breaker push you below while you fought to survive. Unable to rise above the force, panic engulfed your spirit. You cried out to God.

“Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed.”

Psalm 107:28-29 NIV.

The current comes in and recedes with intensity. It thrusts you against the hard surface of the earth, then snatches and hurls as if a small tumbling shell that can’t escape its mighty force. Sea life changes course because of it. The ocean catches you in its surge and you cannot fight its forceful current.

Why does the sea that drowns some keep others afloat? A person’s response to its turbulence determines the difference between life and death. When a person fights the undertow, it pulls the person down, but if they relax, the powerful wave carries them to calm water.

Sometimes it’s impossible to fight the chaotic situations in life. You have two choices: rise above or it pulls you under. God gives you the ability to soar above anxiety.

Confidence that God is in control allows you to relax and He carries you to safety. When yielded to God, His spirit lifts you above the Satanic forces of the world that force people down, drowning in a pit of sorrow. He calms the sea and silences any apprehension.

Prayer:

When I ponder life, I realize things aren’t always what they seem. Situations where I felt lost and vulnerable drew me closer to God. I’m thankful for difficult situations in life that felt like a failure because He lifted and carried me to a better place. God allowed troublesome situations to help me fulfill my dreams.

Your Turn:

When have you allowed God to lift and transport you to a place of safety and peace during a storm?