Worry drains the color from our lives. Imagine a rainbow void of color. A rainbow is a symbol of God’s promises (Genesis 9:13). Imagine living with no certainty that God is able and committed to fulfilling His promises. When we worry, we imagine our lives void of the fulfillment of God’s promises. It’s as if the serpent is still whispering in our ear, “Did God really say…?” The fact is, God’s promises are powerful, sure and for us.
We all know what worry is and either indulge in it or watch someone we know indulge in it. I think even the most obsessive worrier would admit they can see time, joy and fulfillment draining from the canvas of their lives with each choice to worry. Yet, why is it so hard to stop?
Of all methods the serpent could have employed to gain Eve’s attention, I find it interesting he chose the tactics of fear to draw her away from the knowledge of God’s good will toward her. Fear is the root of all worry. Worry is deceptive because it assumes God will fail us. Worry begins as a trap and evolves into a hypnotic habit. One moment of entertaining the thought, “What if God doesn’t show up?” can ensnare a person to meditate on what life would look like if God in fact did not show up. Through that wrong-side-out meditation, we begin beholding an image opposite God’s blessing and promise. Beholding the images projected by fear and worry lead to deceptive thoughts about God’s existence, ability and intentions. Continuing in this process can lead to turning away from God, even if for only a season. Eve travelled through this cycle in a short time. In II Corinthians 11:3, Paul warned, ”I fear that somehow your pure and undivided devotion to Christ will be corrupted, just as Eve was deceived by the cunning ways of the serpent.”
We live in the consequences of Eve’s choice every day. Because of the redemptive power of Christ, we have hope to escape this destructive cycle. Yet, we must vigilantly guard our hearts from the damaging effects of fear-based meditations.
HOW can one change from a life of worry to a life of freely embracing God’s promises?
Surrender: Believe. Become. Behold.
- Surrender is a choice to believe and submit to God even when we cannot see what He’s doing or how He’s doing it.
- Surrender begins with a resolved BELIEF in Who God says He is regardless of the circumstances we see.
- Belief leads to decisions that determine who we BECOME.
- Belief is sustained through BEHOLDING God through worship, meditation and consistent confession of His promises.
Surrender because He is for you. Christ died for us. He was not against us when He came to Earth. He was not against us when He died. He was so against sin and death that He came to rescue us from it’s grip. He was and is for us. When I correct my children for misbehavior, I am careful to remind them with my words, “I am against what you’ve done, but I am always for you.” Correction is not an indication that God is against us; correction is proof He is for us.
Confess: Seek. Speak. Repeat.
- Seek – In every situation you face, seek God first. Find out what His Word says about you and all you face.
- Speak – Boldly declare the Promises of God found in His Word. Speaking God’s Word renews our minds, dispels fear, and brings us into agreement with Him. Our words are powerful and creative; let’s use them to speak life instead of fear.
- Repeat – Consistent attention to seeking Him first and speaking His promises will firmly establish faith in our lives. Don’t wait for a crisis to begin confessing Scripture. Set aside a few minutes each day to confess His Word over your life.
5 Life-Changing-Scripture-Loaded Confessions to get you started:
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I have the mind of Christ. Today, I will hear what the Spirit of God is saying and will not harden my heart or shove aside His promptings. I let the peace of God rule in my heart. I refuse to worry about anything. (I Corinthians 2:16, Hebrews 3:7-8, Colossians 3:15)
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By the God’s words, I can see where I’m going; they throw a beam of light on my dark path. The Lord leads me in paths of righteousness for His Name’s sake. My steps are ordered by the Lord and He guides me with His counsel. I will trust in the Lord with all my heart and will not lean on my own understanding. In all my ways, I will acknowledge Him, and he will direct my path. (Psalm 23:3, 37:23, 73:24, 119:105, Proverbs 3:5-6)
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The Lord Almighty is with me; the God of Jacob is my fortress. I am far from oppression and fear does not come near me. I am certain that God, who began the good work in me, will continue His work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. God will perfect that which concerns me. (Psalm 46:7, Isaiah 54:14, Philippians 1:6, Psalm 138:8)
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All my needs are met according to God’s riches in Christ Jesus. God blesses me and makes me a blessing to others. I give and it is given unto me, good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over. God richly and ceaselessly provides everything for my enjoyment. I serve God and He takes pleasure in my prosperity. Whatever I do will prosper for I am a tree planted by the rivers of living water. (Genesis 12:2, Luke 6:38, I Timothy 6:17, Psalm 35:27 & 1:3, Philippians 4:19)
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God gives me power when I am weak and strength when I am powerless. I trust in the Lord and find new strength. I soar high on wings like eagles. I run and do not grow weary. I walk and do not faint. Let all I am praise the Lord; may I never forget all the good things He does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things. Christ carried my weaknesses; it was my sorrows that weighed Him down. He was pierced for my rebellion, crushed for my sins. He was beaten so I could be whole. He was whipped so I could be healed. (Psalm 103:2-5, Isaiah 40:29, 31, 53:4-5)
God is with us. God is for us. If God is for us, who could ever be against us? (Romans 8:26-39) We truly have nothing and no one to fear.
For more topic-based confessions, I recommend this website: https://www.hopefaithprayer.com/category/gods-word/confessions/
© Lesley Sturm 2017
