What Is The Best Way To Handle Fear? Advice From The Bible.

Sometimes the things we fear are so huge that we cannot think of anything else, in time fear grips and cripples us. Where can we turn to overcome fear?

"He said, Listen king Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this great army, for the battle is not yours but God's." 2 Chronicles 20:15.

A LITTLE BACKGROUND
The Bible tells of an alliance of enemies that marched against the Lord's people. Facing certain destruction and death King Jehoshaphat sought the Lord with prayer. After he prayed the prophet came with the message not to fear because the battle is the Lords.

DO NOT BE AFRAID
There are many reasons we are afraid in life. There are circumstances outside our control, there are dangers that threaten us and our loved ones, and there are uncertainties in our future.

There is a bigger reason to not be afraid- God:
     * He is in control.
     * Nothing catches Him by surprise.
     * He will never lose a battle.
     * He is in charge of all things.
     * He has power over all things.
     * He is bigger than all things.

THE BATTLE IS NOT YOURS
When there is a problem in our lives we think we need to act and we say, "What can I do?" God was in control long before we found out about the problem and He will remain in control long after we have forgotten the matter.

BUT GOD'S
God is able to win the battle. We have to do our part which is to obey Him and trust Him, God is able to deliver.

In 2 Chronicles 20 the story ends with the enemies turning on each other and annihilating each other. The Lord's people went to meet them in battle but found only dead bodies as far as the eye could see.

When you face the multitude of foes seek the Lord and pray to Him for deliverance because He is able.

(c)Adron Dozat 12/5/13

How To Get God's Help With a Big Problem.

We all face battles, big and little. Sometimes we face them daily, sometimes they loom on the horizon and creep closer over time. Some battles are with people, like a boss, or roommate; others are with situations, like finding a home, or job, or paying the bills. Other battles are fought in our hearts, caused by loss, an unfulfilled need or pain.

This Bible passage offers hope:

"The men of Israel were subdued on that occasion, and the men of Judah were victorious because they relied on the Lord the God of their fathers." 2 Chronicles 13: 18, NIV.

A LITTLE BACKGROUND
There was a war between Abijah, king of Judah and Jeroboam, king of Israel. Judah had four hundred thousand fighting men, but they were outnumbered by Israel who fielded eight hundred thousand troops. Righteous Abijah climbs the hill and boldly declares to his overwhelming foe that, "As for us the Lord is our God," verse 10. Israel attacks Judah from the front and ambushes from the rear. When Judah saw that they were out-maneuvered they cried out to the Lord, the priest blew the trumpets and the men raised the battle cry; then at the sound of their battle cry, the Bible says that Lord routed Jeroboam and all Israel.

OBSERVATIONS:
Lessons can be learned from this Bible passage:

• We must declare that "The Lord is my God."
• We must "cry out" to the Lord, and pray for His deliverance.
• We should, be like the trumpet blast and give testimony to the Lord.
• We should rely on the Lord.

Often we rely on ourselves to figure out a solution, or we want a formula or magic bullet to fix our problems, but we must remember the simple lesson to rely on the Lord.

GOD OF OUR FATHERS
The specific title for God is instructive. The God of their fathers is in contrast to the gods of the societies opposing them. In our age, there is much clamor to adopt views of God that is not true to him. If we are open we must consider the prospect that the gods of our age may not be true and there is a possibility that the God of our Fathers is the true God after all. This God of Our Fathers is one who listens to our cry and gives victory. This is the God of Love who sent his son to die for our sins.

Let us resolve to seek God and grow deeper in our reliance on him to find victory today and always.

(c) Adron 2/24/13