Be strong and bold; have no fear or dread of them, because it is the Lord your God who goes with you; he will not fail you or forsake you.” -Deuteronomy 31:6 (NRSV)

FEAR:

1 a : an unpleasant often strong emotion caused by anticipation or awareness of danger
b (1) : an instance of this emotion (2) : a state marked by this emotion
2: anxious concern : solicitude
3: profound reverence and awe especially toward God
4: reason for alarm : danger

(Courtesy of Merriam-Webster)

With the exception of the third, the rest of those definitions of fear sound pretty bad. It is true that there are times when it is good to have a “healthy fear” of something, like stepping out into oncoming traffic, confronting a wild animal, etc.

As children of the most high God, there is little reason to fear people, places and things in this world because we know we have membership in a family that is awesome and eternal. We are protected by Him. If God be for us, who can be against us (Romans 8:31)? Yet, so often in my own personal life, it’s the middle of the night and I find myself anxiety-ridden over things which I usually have no control over and often have not even happened yet! Just the mere possibility can derail me. Why does this happen? Because I still think I am in control way too often for my own good. I was recently reminded by God through circumstance that I am not as far along in my faith as I would like to believe I am.

Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith! And do not keep striving for what you are to eat and what you are to drink, and do not keep worrying. For it is the nations of the world that strive after all these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, strive for his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. Luke 12:27-31 (NRSV)

Time spent in prayer and simple meditation around these verses (and many others like them) will replace the bad thoughts and feelings with good ones. Remember, feelings are born from thoughts. think positive, loving thoughts and be blessed with a life full of positive, loving things.