03.30.22 | Abandoning Fear

During today’s time of fasting and prayer, we will be using our FAST movement to guide us through Psalm 23:4, focusing on abandoning fear.

Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

As you go through the movements of FAST, be mindful of the connections between Psalm 23:4 and any fears that may come up for you.

First, Focus: Find a quiet place to settle your mind and open yourself to the Holy Spirit’s presence.

Second, Adoration: Spend time honoring and exalting God, tell him what you appreciate about him. Contemplate on who he is and what he has done.

Third, Speak: Commune with God, taking moments to both speak to him about what’s on your heart and to pause and listen for his voice. Use journals to write down what you hear. In an effort to truly understand what Jesus wants to communicate to you, ask questions like:

Ask God to be present with you in your fears. Listen and note any words or impressions.

Fourth, Transform: Commit to taking active steps to change or address what the Lord revealed during your time of fasting. In response to what came up as you spoke with and listened to God, think of a specific transformative action about abandoning fear.

Here are some suggestions, but feel free to create your own based on your time with God:

  1. Consider if there is someone in your life that you are afraid to make amends with. Reach out to them in pursuit of reconciliation this week. (If reaching out would cause harm to you or the other person, instead ask the Lord to bring peace to your heart and mind regarding the situation.)
  2. Ask God to put on your heart one risk to take this week, and then faithfully and courageously follow through with it.
  3. Design your own practice. Make it practical, prayerful, and helpful for abandoning fear.

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