How can we actively lean into the resources God provides when faced with fear and anxiety?

When faced with fear and anxiety, it’s important to actively lean into the resources that God provides. Here’s how you can do that:

1. Pray for Peace and Strength:

   • Prayer is a direct line to God, where you can bring your fears and anxieties before Him and ask for His peace and strength. Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV says, "Be anxious for nothing, 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 minds through Christ Jesus."
   • Application: Whenever you feel overwhelmed by fear or anxiety, take it to God in prayer. Be honest about your feelings and ask Him to replace your anxiety with His peace. Trust that He hears your prayers and is working on your behalf.

2. Meditate on God’s Word:

   • God’s Word is full of promises that can calm your fears and provide guidance in times of anxiety. Psalm 119:105 NKJV says, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
   • Application: Find and meditate on scriptures that speak to your specific fears and anxieties. Verses like Isaiah 41:10 ("Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God.") can be particularly comforting. Let these verses fill your mind and heart, replacing fear with faith.

3. Seek Godly Counsel and Community:

   • God often provides support through other believers who can offer wisdom, encouragement, and prayer. Proverbs 11:14 NKJV says, "Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety."
   • Application: Don’t face your fears alone. Reach out to trusted friends, mentors, or your church community for support. They can provide godly counsel, pray with you, and help you gain a different perspective on your situation.

4. Worship and Praise God:

   • Worship shifts your focus from your problems to God’s greatness, reminding you of His power and love. Psalm 34:1 NKJV says, "I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth."
   • Application: In moments of fear or anxiety, take time to worship God. Sing praises, listen to worship music, and remind yourself of His faithfulness. Worship has the power to break the hold of fear and fill your heart with joy and confidence in God.

5. Trust in God’s Promises:

   • God’s promises are reliable and provide a foundation of hope in uncertain times. 2 Corinthians 1:20 NKJV says, "For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us."
   • Application: Memorize and cling to God’s promises when you feel afraid or anxious. Remind yourself that He is faithful to fulfill His promises and that He is in control, even when circumstances seem overwhelming.

6. Practice Gratitude:

   • Gratitude can help shift your focus from what is wrong to what is right, reminding you of God’s blessings. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NKJV says, "In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
   • Application: Start a gratitude journal where you list things you are thankful for each day. When fear and anxiety arise, review your list to remind yourself of God’s goodness and provision in your life.

7. Rest in God’s Sovereignty:

   • Trusting in God’s sovereignty means believing that He is in control of all things and that nothing happens outside of His will. Romans 8:28 NKJV says, "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."
   • Application: Remind yourself that God is sovereign over your life and that He is working all things together for your good. Even in difficult circumstances, trust that He has a plan and that He is using your situation to grow your faith and character.

8. Engage in Spiritual Disciplines:

   • Regularly practicing spiritual disciplines such as prayer, fasting, and Bible study helps you stay connected to God and strengthens your faith. 1 Timothy 4:7-8 NKJV says, "But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come."
   • Application: Make spiritual disciplines a regular part of your life. Set aside time each day to pray, read the Bible, and seek God’s presence. These practices will equip you to face fear and anxiety with a strong, grounded faith.

9. Take Care of Your Physical Well-Being:

   • Physical health can affect your mental and spiritual well-being, so it’s important to take care of your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NKJV says, "Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s."
   • Application: Make sure you are getting enough rest, eating well, and exercising regularly. These practices can help reduce anxiety and improve your overall sense of well-being, making it easier to trust God and focus on His promises.

10. Reflect on God’s Past Faithfulness:

    • Remembering how God has been faithful in the past can give you confidence in His future provision. Lamentations 3:22-23 NKJV says, "Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness."
    • Application: Reflect on times when God has provided for you, protected you, or guided you through difficult circumstances. Write down these memories and revisit them when you feel afraid or anxious, reminding yourself of God’s unchanging faithfulness.

In summary, when faced with fear and anxiety, it’s crucial to actively lean into the resources God provides, such as prayer, Scripture, community, worship, and spiritual disciplines. By focusing on God’s promises and trusting in His sovereignty, you can find peace and strength to overcome fear and anxiety, knowing that God is with you every step of the way.