Two emotions have dominated our year more than any other – Fear and Anxiety. These emotions have been a 1-2 punch to the gut of millions…if not billions of people dealing with a global pandemic and so much uncertainty. The health of our marriages can be profoundly impacted by these emotions too.
Of course we all face a normal level of questions and unknowns, but 2020 has delivered an onslaught of confusion. Thankfully, God knows how easy it is for us to be fearful and anxious, and He has given us everything we need to navigate these times successfully.
Fear is not a new thing. The word ‘Fear’ shows up over 300 times in the Bible, and the word ‘Afraid’ appears almost 200 times. So how does God address our fears? What is His solution to this ongoing and universal problem?
Philippians 4:4-7 “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.“
God’s solution to our fear and anxiety is PEACE. The word ‘Peace’ is found in the Bible over 250 times! We can find this peace at any moment and in any situation through the person of the Holy Spirit. God’s presence brings peace.
If you have kids, especially young kids, you see this principle of ‘Presence = Peace’ all the time. When our kids get scared by something, a TV show, a story, a storm, etc., the solution is ALWAYS the presence of Mom and Dad. They want to snuggle, hug, curl up and just be near their parents. It’s never really about the words you say, but simply that you are there to offer strength and security and peace to your child.
So God offers us His peace through the presence of the Holy Spirit. Jesus tells His disciples at the end of His ministry this powerful truth about ‘Presence = Peace’.
John 14:25-27 “I (Jesus) have spoken these things to you while I remain with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you. Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful.
This is why Faith Principle #3, in the book Two Becoming One, says “By faith, we must daily commit to release the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives.” If you want peace in any situation, if you want peace in your home and marriage, you must walk in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Watch what the Apostle Paul writes in the Bible about the connection between the Holy Spirit and peace:
- Romans 8:6 – “Now the mindset of the flesh is death, but the mindset of the Spirit is life and peace.”
- Romans 14:17 – “for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
- Galatians 5:22-23 – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The law is not against such things.”
Real peace comes from surrendering our situations to the power and presence of God. We must submit ourselves to the leadership and control of the Holy Spirit. By faith we must trust God and not try to fix things in our own strength. That solution only leads to more fear and anxiety.
‘Presence = Peace’ and when we experience that it changes our hearts and minds. Walking by faith and trust doesn’t stop bad things from happening, but instead changes how we see those things. Then we are not dominated or controlled by fear and anxiety. This is the kind of abundant life God wants for us and for our marriages.
Some questions to consider:
- What situation is a source of fear and anxiety for me today?
- Have I spent time praying and inviting God, through the Holy Spirit, into that issue?
- Am I trying to fix the situation in my own strength or am I trusting in God’s provision and plan?
We encourage you to spend some time reading and meditating on the verses in this post. Every time you begin to feel fear rise up quote these verses and invite the Holy Spirit into the situation. Don’t be discouraged because it may take some time, but you will be amazed at the peace you will begin to experience.
Christian Family Life is a marriage discipleship ministry. We are here to offer resources and support no matter what condition your marriage is in. Our passion is to Build, Enrich, and Reconcile Marriages. Find out more at https://www.christianfamilylife.com/
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