From the ArcaMax Publishing, Billy Graham Newsletter:
http://www.arcamax.com/news/billygraham/s-364183-956341
Q: I know the Bible says we shouldn't be full of fears, but how is
that possible when so many things can go wrong? Right now, my husband
and I are facing a lot of financial problems, and I can't even sleep
at night worrying about them. -- Mrs. W.W.
A: You are right; the Bible does tell us not to be overwhelmed with
fear and anxiety -- and one reason is because God knows how
destructive these can be. Often, in fact, our fears turn out to be
more harmful to us than the actual thing we fear. I pray this won't
happen to you.
How can we control our fears, especially when something is clearly
threatening us? First, we need to face them honestly. Some people deal
with their fears by denying the problem or acting as if it didn't
exist -- but that isn't wise. Some even turn to alcohol or drugs to
escape their fears -- although that only makes them worse. Instead,
when something threatens us, we need to ask God for wisdom to deal
with it in practical ways (perhaps with help from others). Have you
done this in your situation? The Bible says, "A prudent man sees
danger and takes refuge" (Proverbs 22:3).
Second, we need to learn to put our situation into God's hands and
trust Him for the outcome. Have you ever asked yourself what the
opposite of fear is? It isn't just peace; it is trust -- trust in God,
and trust in His love for us. God's promise is for you: "Do not fear,
for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will
strengthen you and help you" (Isaiah 41:10).
Remember: If we can trust Christ for our eternal salvation, we surely
can trust Him for our daily lives. Open your heart to Christ, and then
ask Him to help you trust Him in everything.
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Send your queries to "My Answer," c/o Billy Graham, Billy Graham
Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C.,
28201; call 1-(877) 2-GRAHAM, or visit the Web site for the Billy
Graham Evangelistic Association: www.billygraham.org.