I’ve been sharing some things I learned from a great sermon series our pastor recently did on fear and worry. This is the last segment of this series. If this is the first one you’ve come across you can read part 1, part 2, and part 3 first if you’d like.

In order to overcome fear and remove it’s controlling hold on our lives, there are a few things we can do.

1. Remember what God has done in the past. I touched a little on this in part 2. If you find yourself wondering where God is in your life – look back and remember what He’s done for you in the past. Sometimes we may feel like we don’t know what God is doing during a situation we find ourselves in but rest assured that God has your best interest at heart and He knows how to take care of you!

2. Remember that others are looking out for you.

Angels – Psalm 91:11 says “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways”

Family – most have family that love you and want to help you. Turn to them; allow them to encourage and pray for you!

Fellow believers – God tells us to worship together for a reason – having a group in which to gather helps make our walk stronger.  We can fellowship with one another, pray for one another, worship together, and help each other overcome difficulties that life may throw at us.

3. Learn contentment.  Hebrews 11:5 says, “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” “  This is a really hard thing to do in the society we live in.  I know I struggle with this.  We need to learn to be content with what we have and not always be searching for more and more.  I think we get so consumed with our stuff that we forget about the people in our lives – most importantly though, we forget about God!

4. Confess your sin of doubt.  Because if you are worrying, that’s what you’re doing – doubting God.  1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”  Even when we fail at being faithful to God, He is still faithful to us.

5. Change your behavior where possible.  One of my favorite verses, Philippians 4:8-9 says, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you”  We must practice what God’s word says; we need to apply it, not just learn it!

6. Cast your cares on Jesus.  As I’ve shared before, 1 Peter 5:7 tells us to cast our cares on Him. If you haven’ done so, start right now.  Take your fears and worries to the Lord and hand them over to Him.  Make sure you hand all of it over though – don’t try to take part of it back or try to take it back an hour later – give it ALL to Him.  He cares for you and will take care of you.  Pray for the bondage of fear/worry to be removed and the peace that passes all understanding to be poured out in you! (Philippians 4:7)  I promise that you won’t be disappointed!