(If you missed the earlier posts in this series, click here for Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4.)
What does it really mean to weaken fear by fighting for faith in God? Let’s look together for a minute at some familiar verses, found in Philippians 4:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”
These verses mention two main ways we can weaken fear by fighting for faith in God: first, by talking to Him-in other words, by praying and crying out to Him. And secondly, we fight for faith in God by talking to ourselves (essentially, by thinking about what is true).
The beginning of these verses pretty plainly say, “Don’t be anxious-don’t fear. Instead-pray let your requests be made know to God." And then, here’s what happens: the peace of God will guard your heart and mind. We fight fear with faith by praying to God-pouring our hearts out to Him and asking for His help.
So for example, when we face a really frightening situation like when we’re uncertain about the state of our finances, we can fight our fears by going to God. “Lord, this is really scary. I have no idea how You’re going to provide but I know that you’ve promised to meet our needs. You provide for the birds! Please help me believe that you’ll provide for us, and please do provide. I know that You’re with me even though I don’t feel like it. Lord, please help me to trust you!” We weaken fear by fighting for faith in God through talking to Him. Who else could we possibly talk to that can help us more than God himself?
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