DAILY DISCIPLINE #14
By Colleen Donahue
"Is any man afraid or fainthearted?" Deuteronomy 20:8
It can come upon us like a thick blanket or a heavy dark cloud from out of nowhere. Suddenly, we are almost paralyzed after some thought has passed through our head, or some sight reached our eyes or some words to our ears. We might all respond with different symptoms but in some way, we are stopped, and our heart beats faster as if out of control. FEAR -- a dreadful enemy that can leave us helpless. We all seem to have them. They might be as simple as "what will happen to me if I miss my bus?" or "what will they think of me if I'm not dressed properly?" They may also be as legitimate as waiting for your loved one who was expected three hours ago.
Whatever degree of fear we feel, the results seem to be the same and the "petty" fears seem just as big and real as the "big" fears at the same time they are happening. Our minds become the soccer field for all the plays that could possibly happen when in reality only one play will happen.
"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father." Matthew 10:29
Reality is this: as God's children, NOTHING can come our way except that it has first sifted through our Father's loving fingers. If it seems too heavy for us to bear then He gives us more grace, more energy, more perseverance to meet the need of the hour.
"So, do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." Matthew 10:31
What is unknown will always be the main cause of fear BUT we should not be ignorant. Fears will surely come yet we are not helpless and we do not need to be victimized by them. In this study, we'll look at what God's Word has to say about....
FEAR
Day 1- What causes us to fear or tempts us to be fearful?
Hebrews 3:12 / James 1:6-8, 13-14 / James 3:16
Day 2 -What does God promise when fear comes over us like a blanket?
Psalm 91:9-12 / Proverbs 3:25,26 / Isaiah 41:10 / John 14: 27
Day 3- As we learn to be established in God what can we boldly declare?
Psalm 27:1-3 / Psalm 56:3-4 / Romans 8: 29,31, 35-39 / Hebrews 13:6
Day 4- What does God command during times of fear?
Joshua 1:9 / John 14:27
Day 5- What has God given us to replace fear?
2 Timothy 1:7
Day 6- What are we to do during times of fear?
Reread: Psalm 56:3-4;10-11/ Philippians 4:6,7
Day 7 -What are we to do during times of fear? (continued)
Psalm 54:6-7 / Isaiah 26:3-4 / James 4:7
Day 8- When we fear the worst what does God say?
Jeremiah 32:27
Day 9- As God's children what do we know with confidence?
Psalm 56: 9
Day 10 -When we live in fear we are not resting in God. What is necessary for us to come into rest?
Hebrews 4: 10-11
Day 11- Where do we get help during times of fear and distress?
Hebrews 4:16
Day 12- When we are fearful we usually feel at our weakest---physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. What promise must we claim at this point?
Philippians 4:13
Day 13- Satan loves to get his children full of fear and stress because it literally paralyzes them from living for God. How is our foe defeated?
Revelations 12:11
Day 14 -What drives fear out of our life?
I John 4:18
Day 15 -God in His great love for us during times of fear and distress will act on our behalf. What does He do in answer to our cries?
Psalm 34:4; 17-19
Day 16- How are we to speak to God when we are fearful?
Psalm 34:17 / Psalm 55:16-18
Day 17 -Where do most of our fears come from?
Psalm 55: 2b
Day 18- Keeping our thoughts under control takes great discipline. What transformation must our mind undergo?
Isaiah 26:3 / Romans 12: 1-2 / Philippians 2:3-5
Day 19- Where is the only safe place to be when fears overwhelm you?
Psalm 91: 1-12
Day 20- Many fears come because we are not living one day at a time and the future seems shaky.
Matthew 6: 33-34
Day 21 -Why can we confidently cast away all fear?
Isaiah 12:2
Day 22- How do we respond when we are fearful?
Leviticus 26:36 / Psalm 55:4-5 / Daniel 5:6 / Micah 7:17
Day 23- When we are fearful how do we affect others?
Deuteronomy 20: 8
Day 24- When we knowingly do what is wrong, who do we especially try to hide from?
Genesis 3:8
Day 25 -Why?
Isaiah 33:14 / Isaiah 66:4 / Hebrews 10:27
Day 26 One of our biggest fears is what others will do to us or think of us. What does God say to this?
Proverbs 29:25 / Isaiah 51:12
Day 27 What does our fear of man keep us from doing?
John 7:13 / John 12: 42
Day 28 If we live to please people rather than God, what does this say about our character?
John 12: 43
Day 29- What do we long for when we are fearful?
Psalm 55:6
Day 30- When fear rules our hearts even for a moment then faith (complete certainty of what God can do) leaves. What follows from this?
Hebrews 11:6
Day 31- What is God's desire for us all year-round?
John 10:10
| Daily Discipline Table of Contents |