This past week has served to be a challenge when it comes to fear. People go to work and die in an explosion. Others attend a marathon and lose their limbs. Every day, we are faced with the unknown. If we aren’t careful, fear can take a hold in our lives and hold us hostage.

Fear is a warning system built into the our bodies as a natural reaction to danger. It is healthy to feel fear in the face of danger. It acts like an alarm and prompts us to action, But when fear takes hold of our lives, it turns into worry and anxiety. It takes real danger and changes it to a perceived possible one. Fear becomes a way to focus on the uncertainty of life and the future, rather than the present. For example, you could get hit by a car, struck by lightening, lose your money in the stock market, etc.

This is why God has told us that He has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind. He doesn’t want us held hostage by the possibilities of danger. We can’t live like that and have joy or any peace.

So how do we live without allowing fear to enter our lives? Psalm 46 has answers:

1) Know who God is–a very PRESENT help in times of trouble.

2) Know where God is–in the middle of the trouble , the waters roar, the mountains shake but God is in the midst. He is not absent in times of trouble.

3) Get your eyes off the uncertain circumstances–Don’t be moved by the trouble around you. Instead keep your eyes fixed on Him.

4) Remember God is working in the situation–He breaks the bow, cuts the spear, burns the chariots of fire. He will work it all for our good if we love and trust Him.

5) Be still. Wait and listen.

6) Know that He is God. Watch how He moves and works things out. Be amazed by what He does.

7) Worship Him–even before you know the ending, because praise takes care of that heaviness.