62 | Christian Strategies for Turning Fear to Faith & Scripture to Affirmations: Does It Work?

Fear can be overwhelming and paralyzing, but as Christians, we are called to live by faith in God who provides guidance and strength to overcome our anxieties and uncertainties.

• Understanding the nature of fear and its consequences on our spiritual growth
• Trusting in God's sovereignty through His promises of presence and support
• Building a strong foundation of faith through Scripture and seeking wisdom
• Embracing God's unconditional love as the ultimate antidote to fear
• 10 practical ways to stop living in fear including Scripture meditation, prayer journaling, and accountability partnerships
• Exploring a gentle technique as a Christ-centered approach to releasing fears
• Cultivating a community of believers who provide support and encouragement

Download your Bible study resources now at faithbuildingclub.com and embark on your personal journey of discovery with God. Share my Faith Building Club with another study group who might benefit from these resources, and if you have a moment, follow the show and leave us a review.

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Transcript

Introduction to Fear-Free Living

Paula Behrens 0:01

Are you ready to live a life free from fear? In today's Bible study, we'll dive deep into understanding fear, learning how to overcome it and embracing the freedom we have in Christ. Join us now on this transformative journey of moving from anxious to anchored. Are you feeling a bit swamped with your weekly Bible study prep? Wondering how to make your lessons both engaging and impactful? Searching for fresh insights to inspire and spiritually nourish your group? Well, you are in the right place. Our Sound Wisdom Bible study lessons are here to make your preparation easier, revive your teaching and profoundly enrich your group's faith journey.

Paula Behrens 0:42

Before we get started, I'd like to give a shout out to one of our listeners, Carron Silva, Ph D. writes, "Paula's experience and wisdom in the Word of God shines through with her practical, easy-to-implement tips for growing in faith through scripture study and daily life hacks. Her wise teachings are relevant for all Christians, regardless of denominational background." Thank you so much, Carron. It was good hearing from you. If you'd like to leave a review, we'd truly appreciate it. On Apple Podcasts, simply scroll down to the five-star rating section and click on leave a review. If you're using a PC, open the iTunes app and you'll find the link near the top. Share your thoughts with us today and your review could be showcased on one of our upcoming episodes.

Paula Behrens 1:28

Let's embark on this adventure together, but first let me tell you about my Faith Building Club. You'll find over eight months of printable resources crafted just for Christians. These include everything from prayer and devotional journals to detailed Bible study lessons and reading plans, all designed to deepen your connection with the Word and bring fresh perspectives on your weekly studies. You can find these valuable resources at faithbuildingclub. com (no spaces). Hi, I'm Paula, a follower of Jesus, a grandma of six and a retired pastor with a heart for empowering believers. Ready to get started? Grab your Bible, your printable resources and prepare your heart for insights from God.

Paula Behrens 2:09

As a pastor, I've often walked alongside church members who were struggling with a fear that was trying to steal their joy. But they weren't the only ones who struggled in this way. I remember one Saturday evening, while preparing my sermon, when I found myself silently wrestling with my own fears about if the message would be meaningful to those listening on Sunday morning. That's when I was drawn to the passage in Isaiah 41. 10, where God reassured me with His unwavering promise, "Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God." That night, the weight of my anxiety lifted as I found a profound sense of peace filling my heart. It was a divine reminder that fear doesn't stand a chance when we anchor ourselves in God's unwavering presence.

Bible Study Welcome

Paula Behrens 2:58

Today, as we delve into our Bible study, let us all open our hearts to that same transformative power that can turn our fear into faith. In today's world, fear seems to surround us at every turn. Whether it's fear of the unknown, fear of failure, fear of rejection or fear of the future, it can be overwhelming and paralyzing. However, as Christians, we are called to live a life that is not governed by fear but by faith in God. The scriptures provide us with guidance and strength to overcome fear in our lives. In this lesson, we will explore the theme of living without fear by understanding fear, overcoming fear, and then walking in the freedom we have in Christ.

Paula Behrens 3:47

Fear is a natural human response to perceived threats or dangers. While some fears can be beneficial, such as the fear of physical harm, many fears are rooted in uncertainties and anxieties that can hinder our spiritual growth and rob us of the abundant life God desires for us. The Bible addresses the issue of fear extensively, reminding us of God's sovereignty, faithfulness and love, that cast out all fear. Let's talk about the nature of fear. 2 Timothy 1, verse 7 says, "For God gave us a spirit not of fear, but of power and love and self-control." Fear can hinder our ability to live in the fullness of God's purpose for our lives, preventing us from taking risks and stepping into the calling God has for us. 1 John 4, verse 18 says, "There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear, for fear has to do with punishment and whoever fears has not been perfected in love."

Paula Behrens 4:55

Fear often stems from a lack of understanding of God's unconditional love and the misconception of his character. And of course, there are consequences of living in fear. Proverbs, chapter 29, verse 25 says, "The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe." When we live in fear of others' opinions or judgments, we can become stagnant in our spiritual growth and fail to step into the fullness of God's plan for us. Psalm, chapter 56, verse 3 says, "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you." Fear can erode our trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, leading us to rely on our own understanding rather than surrendering to his perfect will.

Paula Behrens 5:43

Despite the prevalence of fear, the Bible offers us hope and guidance in overcoming it through our faith in God and his promises. It encourages us to trust in his character, rely on his strength and rest in his peace, knowing that he is in control of every aspect of our lives. Let's talk about trusting in God's sovereignty. Isaiah, chapter 41, verse 10 says, "Fear not, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." His promises serve as a powerful reminder of his constant presence and unwavering support in the midst of our fears.

Paula Behrens 6:26

First Peter, chapter 5, verse 7 says, "Cast all your anxieties on him because he cares for you." Surrendering our fears to God through prayer and supplication allows us to experience the peace that surpasses all understanding. It's also important to build a strong foundation of faith. Romans, chapter 10, verse 17 tells us, "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ." Building our faith through studying the word of God and meditating on his promises equips us to face our fears with confidence in his faithfulness. Proverbs 3, verses 5 through 6 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge him and he will make your path straight." Seeking God's wisdom and guidance in every aspect of our lives allows us to navigate through uncertainties without succumbing to fear.

Paula Behrens 7:24

God's love is the ultimate antidote to fear. When we fully grasp the depth of his love for us, we can live without fear, knowing that his love covers us and empowers us to live boldly and confidently for his glory. Let's talk about embracing God's unconditional love. First John, chapter 4, verse 16 says, "So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him." Embracing God's love enables us to let go of fear and live in the freedom that comes from knowing we are deeply cherished by our Creator, God.

Paula Behrens 8:09

Romans, chapter 8, verse 38 through 39 says, "For I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus, our Lord." Understanding that nothing can separate us from God's love empowers us to face our fears with confidence, knowing that we are secure in his unfailing love. 1 John, 4, verse 18-19 says, "There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear, for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. We love because he first loved us." Extending God's love to others allows us to break the chains of fear and create a community that thrives in love, grace and compassion. 1 Peter, 3, verse 8 says "Finally all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart and a humble mind." Living a life of compassion and empathy toward others enables us to foster an environment where fear is replaced with love and understanding.

Paula Behrens 9:27

Okay, here are 10 practical ways to embrace scripture and stop living in fear. 1. Daily Scripture Meditation: Set aside time each day to meditate on relevant scriptures that emphasize God's promises, love and faithfulness. Reflect on these verses and let them permeate your thoughts throughout the day. 2. Prayer Journaling: Keep a prayer journal where you can write down your fears, concerns and uncertainties as you pray, surrender these to God and reflect on His promises. Record how your perspective shifts over time.

Paula Behrens 10:02

3. Accountability Partners: Share your fears and aspirations with a trusted friend or mentor. Having someone to encourage you, pray for you and provide biblical insight can be invaluable in overcoming fear. 4. Memorization of Key Verses: Commit key verses about fear, faith and God's love to memory. Having these verses readily available in your mind can serve as a powerful tool when faced with fear-inducing situations.

Paula Behrens 10:34

5. Faith-Inspired Affirmations: Develop affirmations based on biblical truths. Repeat these affirmations regularly to reinforce a mindset grounded in faith and trust in God's sovereignty. Discover the transformative power of an Aroma Freedom Session with a Christ-centered life coach. This technique gently guides you to release the fears holding you back, uniquely crafted to meet your current needs. Stay tuned for a little bit more about this wonderful technique in just a few minutes.

Paula Behrens 11:10

6. Serve Others with Love: Actively engage in acts of kindness, in service toward others. By focusing on love and compassion, you shift your focus away from self-centered fears and cultivate a spirit of generosity. 7. Practice Gratitude: Recognize and appreciate the blessings in your life, acknowledging God's faithfulness in both small and large aspects of life. 8. Discernment in Decision Making: Seek God's wisdom and guidance in decision making. Trusting in his plan for your life can alleviate the fear of making wrong choices. On a regular basis, pray for discernment and clarity. 9. Celebrate Victories Over Fear: Acknowledge and celebrate each victory, no matter how small. Recognizing God's faithfulness in overcoming specific fears will build your confidence in his ability to guide and protect.

Paula Behrens 12:06

10. Community Involvement: Engage with a local church or a small group to foster a sense of community. Surrounding yourself with fellow believers provides support, encouragement and a shared journey of faith, diminishing the isolation that fear often brings. Remember that living without fear is a continuous process that requires intentional effort and reliance on God's Word. Implementing these practical steps can help you integrate biblical truths into your daily life and experience the freedom and peace that comes from living in faith rather than fear.

AFT as a Christ-Centered Approach to Releasing Fear

Paula Behrens 12:41

Okay, a little more information. The Aroma Freedom Technique is a gentle yet powerful process that uses the purest Young Living essential oils to help you clear emotional blocks and set positive intentions. During our session, we'll work together to help you release anything that might be holding you back from achieving your goals and living the life you truly desire. Here's a brief overview o f what you can expect during our session together. First, we'll start by identifying a specific goal or change you want to achieve. This step is vital as it sets a direction for our session. So take a moment beforehand to think about this. It could be something big or small, personal or professional. Next, I'll guide you to select the most supportive Young Living essential oils. These oils will be key in helping to anchor in new, positive feelings and memories as we move forward.

Closing Thoughts and Resources

Paula Behrens 13:54

Next, I'll guide you through a process of gently releasing emotions that no longer serve you well. With the aroma of the oils, you'll find it easier to tap into feelings that have been stored, allowing you to move through them with ease. Finally, we'll anchor new, empowering beliefs that align with the future you want to create. The power of scent, combined with positive affirmations, will help solidify this new reality for you. Throughout the session, I'll be here with you, providing support, compassion and a safe space for your transformation. My role is to facilitate your journey and to hold space for the beautiful changes you're going to be making. Our journey through Aroma Freedom is more than just releasing the past. It's about embracing the new with patience and love. As we reflect on the compassion and grace that God extends to us, you'll learn to share that same kindness with yourself and with those who are close to you. For more information, visit my website, paulabehrens. com. That's Paula Behrens B-E-H-R-E-N-S dot com, or look for a link in the show notes.

Paula Behrens 15:31

Okay, so I've included a few discussion questions for those using this study in a group setting. Plus, there's a journaling section filled with deeper reflection questions for individual use. You can download your resource now at faithbuildingclub. com. So grab your pen and paper or stylus and embark on your personal journey of discovery with God. I hope today's discussion brought you inspiration and insight. If you found it valuable, could you spare just 30 seconds to share my Faith Building Club with another study group who might benefit from these resources? That's faithbuildingclub. com (no spaces). Your support means so much and it will help us spread God's word. Also, if you have a moment, follow the show and leave us a review. It truly warms my heart to know our sessions are making a difference. See you on the next episode of Sound Wisdom. Until then, keep your Bibles open and your coffee mugs ready, adding a little fuel makes our scripture journey even more delightful.