FEAR AND ANXIETY

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit]
of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-
balanced mind and self-control] [2 Timothy 1:7]

Two of the devices (II Corinthians 2:11) Satan tries to use in the lives of believers are fear
and anxiety. Fear is the response to a specific threat or danger that is current or in the present
time. On the other hand, anxiety is the unpleasant feelings of dread, uneasiness, or worry about
general events in the future that are expected or anticipated to be threatening or dangerous.

These become sinful when they become more important than God, or allowed to keep the
believer from obeying God. They then become doubt or unbelief, but God has an answer for
them in Philippians 4:4-7.

REJOICE IN THE LORD

Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say rejoice (Phil. 4:4).

God is commanding believers to be rejoicing in the Lord at all times and in all places. This
is not just when things are going well, or just going through the motions of rejoicing, but it is
saying it should come from the heart of believers, even if they do not feel like it, as a sacrifice of
praise (Heb. 13:15).

It does not say to rejoice in the circumstances, but in the Lord, because of who He is, and
what He did on the Cross, regardless of the circumstances. This certainly would be easy under
good circumstances, but harder in difficult situations. However, God is still God no matter what
is going on. That is when expressing gladness in the Lord becomes an act of faith for how He is
going to manifest His grace in the future.

Believers cannot be worrying and anxious about the future and rejoicing in the Lord at the
same time. So it becomes a choice of where they will put their faith: in God or in circumstances.

THE LORD IS AT HAND

Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand (Phil. 4:5). This means
to allow the gentleness, patience, fairness, kindness, and meekness that God alone can produce in
believers by His Spirit (Gal. 5:22) be shown to everyone because they no longer have to defend,
assert, or fight for their own interests.

They dont have to take things into their own hands because God is near and in control,
which means He is close, involved, and helping (Ps. 46:1), so they can allow Him to handle
things. It also means that He is comingthe rapture is nearso believers have a totally different
perspective about problems in their lives. They see them in the light of eternity and not just this
temporary life.

This affects how they see and react to everything.

LET YOUR REQUESTS BE MADE KNOWN

Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let
your requests be made known unto God (Phil. 4:6). Since God commands it in Christ, it is
possible to not be overly concerned, worried, or anxious about anything or anyone.

That means that as believers seek first Gods kingdom and righteousness (Matt. 6:33),
through faith in who Christ is, and what He did on the Cross, He will supply all their needs (Phil.
4:19), that are expressed by prayer (asking for general things), supplication (requesting specific
things), and giving thanks for things previously received by grace through faith. In doing so, they
admit they cannot do what needs to be done and are trusting that God can.

THE PEACE OF GOD

And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds
through Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:7). Then God gives the peace that only comes from Him (Jn.
14:27) as the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22) which is a rest, quietness, tranquility, security, safety,
and absence of rage and war. Since it is miraculous and supernatural, it cannot be produced or
understood by man.

It does not ignore the reality, but supercedes any remedy man can produce. It protects from
being negatively impacted by anxiety or fear that comes from any ungodly source. Again, this
can only be done as the Holy Spirit is allowed to work because of a believers faith in who Christ
is and what He did on the Cross.

Pilgrim Outreach Ministries

. . . go ye into all the world and preach the gospel . . .

www.pomitaly.homestead.com

www.thewilltosucceed.homestead.com