By Vivian Mutambi

Last night I woke up in the middle of the night panting and sweating from a scary nightmare. My whole body was soaked in sweat, and my heart beat was as loud as it could get. Someone was chasing me in the dream, wanted to kill me, and I ran till my legs couldn’t run anymore. The fear within me couldn’t be likened to anything else that I know. Tired and weary, I finally fell to the ground. Unable to move, I helplessly watched as my attacker came near to me and drew his sword –ready to kill me. Then I woke and realized it was just a dream. I still couldn’t deal with the fear that lingered inside me. I started praying immediately to understand the meaning of such a dream; and that’s when I had a revelation from God that I should fear not for He is always with me no matter the situation.

Fear is one of the enemy’s most popular weapons that he uses against us. So much happens around the world today, including wars, conflicts, terrorism, death, divisions, violence, and crime. We experience fear and worry every day for lives, our future, our family, and our general well-being. The good news is that we have power over fear, worry and anxiety. We can choose not to allow fear and anxiety to control us. We can choose to put our trust in God when we are afraid by presenting our request to God through prayer and petition. “Do not be anxious about anything but in every situation by prayer and petition with thanksgiving present your request to God and the peace of God which surpasses all human understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus,” Philippians 4:6-7.

Psalms 23 also talks about the Lord being our shepherd and leading us through right paths. Verse four says, “though I walk in the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me.” This was the scripture that was revealed to me during prayer. The revelation I experienced while meditating and praying over this passage is so powerful that I had to share it with everyone! It’s clear that God reassures us over and over again as his people that he is and will always be with us no matter what situation we are going through. Amidst our fear and anxiety, God is always in control.

Therefore brethren, let us not buckle under the weight of fear, or allow ourselves to settle for less than God’s best as a result. We belong to an all-powerful, victorious father who cares deeply about us.

Discussion Question

Have you ever made a decision/done something out of fear?

What were the consequences?