Truth Is the Antidote to Fear

Truth Is the Antidote to Fear

BY RICK WARREN — OCTOBER 27, 2014

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“Those who are led by God's Spirit are God's children. For the Spirit that God has given you does not make you slaves and cause you to be afraid; instead, the Spirit makes you God's children, and by the Spirit's power we cry out to God, ‘Father! my Father!’ God's Spirit joins himself to our spirits to declare that we are God's children.” (Romans 8:14-16 GNT)

When I was a kid, I didn’t get scared often. I played fearlessly. But whenever I did get scared, I always cried out to my daddy. I knew he was strong. I knew he could take on anyone.

That’s what you and I are called to do when we’re scared, too. Stop focusing on your fear. Focus on your Father. Ask God for help. Romans 8:14-16 says, “Those who are led by God's Spirit are God's children. For the Spirit that God has given you does not make you slaves and cause you to be afraid; instead, the Spirit makes you God's children, and by the Spirit's power we cry out to God, ‘Father! My Father!’ God's Spirit joins himself to our spirits to declare that we are God's children” (GNT).

The antidote to fear is the truth that you’re no longer a slave but a child of God. Being a child of God changes everything. You’re part of a family now. And families take care of one another.

Let’s say you grew up in a big city, and your family was a part of the family — the Mafia.  And, as a kid, someone starts to assault you. You could say, “Wait just a minute! Do you know who I am? My father is Guido. He’ll make you an offer you can’t refuse! Are you sure you want to touch me? Because I’m in the family.” 

That’s what God wants you to know when you’re scared. You’re part of his family, and God takes care of his children. He has your back. Knowing you’re a child of the creator of the universe changes everything.

Call out to him. Ask him for help.

Talk It Over

• What scares you more than anything else right now? What is the truth about the situation? How is God engaged in the situation?
• Can you recall an experience from your past where God has protected you in the midst of a fearful event or period of your life?

Good Medicine TODAY’S SCRIPTURE “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” (Proverbs 17:22, ESV) TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria Throughout life, there will always be something that will try to take our joy. If it’s not a grumpy sales person, it’s a family member aggravating you, traffic is backed up, your flight is delayed, or your spouse is taking too long. Don’t go the next 20 years allowing the same people and the same circumstances to frustrate you. Change your approach. What’s upsetting you now doesn’t have to upset you anymore. You can choose to keep your cool and stay calm and steady. Remember, a relaxed attitude is going to lengthen your life. The next time you’re tempted to be upset, ask yourself, “Is this really worth giving up my joy over?” If you’ll make this decision not to give away your joy and live each day happy, God promises you’ll be strong; you’ll have more peaceful relationships, and you’ll accomplish more. He says a joyful heart is good medicine! Hold on to your joy and let it heal your heart so you can experience the blessings He has in store for you! A PRAYER FOR TODAY Father, today I will hold on to joy! I choose to live each day with peace and happiness. I choose to rely on Your strength and Your Word which guides my every step. I love You and thank You for directing me in Jesus’ name. Amen. PS... PS... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqNxWOSHCyo