Faith over Fear
Paul said in the book of Acts, I think myself happy. You know how you get angry? You think yourself into anger. You know how you get defeated? You think yourself defeated.
Paul was not in a happy situation, he was in prison pleading his case to King Agrippa and facing the death penalty for spreading the Gospel!
You know how you’re going to be happy? You think yourself happy. Our mind is a very powerful thing but when we let Christ Jesus be Lord over our lives and are filled with the Holy Spirit, our minds and hearts will be transformed. We can’t do it on our own, only He is capable of such a feat.
3 times in the Bible, Jesus tell us to be of good cheer.
John 16 verse 33 says, “be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
Matthew 9 verse 2 says, “Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you.”
And Matthew 14 verse 27 says, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.”
Jesus said, I have overcome the world, your sins are forgiven, and do not be afraid.
Here on earth we will have many trials and sorrows, but we have to choose faith over fear.
Jesus loves us, he’s for us, and he is on our side. #jesusfollower #jesuslovesyou
Reading about Paul's journey in the book of Acts really hit home for me recently. There's so much power in that phrase, 'I think myself happy.' It’s not just a feel-good sentiment; it's a profound spiritual truth that I’ve been trying to integrate into my own life. I used to struggle a lot with anxiety and letting worries consume my thoughts, constantly thinking myself into a corner of defeat, just like the article mentioned. It’s easy to get angry, to feel defeated, when you dwell on all the negatives. But what does it truly mean to 'think myself happy'? For me, it has become a daily practice of intentionality. It means actively choosing to focus on God's promises and blessings, even when my circumstances are screaming the opposite. It’s about recognizing that my thoughts have immense power, and I can direct them. Instead of letting my mind wander down paths of worry, I consciously redirect it to gratitude, to scripture, and to the truth that Jesus loves me and is for me. One time, I was facing a really challenging situation at work, and fear started to creep in. I was so afraid of failure, of disappointing people. That's when I remembered the article's point about choosing faith over fear. I literally had to pause, take a deep breath, and remind myself of what Jesus said: 'I have overcome the world.' If He has overcome the world, then He can certainly help me overcome this challenge. It wasn't magic, but that shift in perspective, that conscious choice to lean into faith, changed everything. It didn't make the problem disappear, but it empowered me to face it with courage instead of dread. The article also beautifully highlights how we can't do this on our own. Our minds are powerful, yes, but truly transforming them comes from letting Christ Jesus be Lord and being filled with the Holy Spirit. I've found that spending time in prayer and reading the Bible daily really helps to renew my mind. It’s like spiritual fuel that helps me 'choose faith over fear' when the world tries to pull me down. Consider those moments when Jesus tells us to 'be of good cheer.' John 16:33, Matthew 9:2, Matthew 14:27 – each one is a powerful reminder that our joy isn't dependent on our circumstances, but on Him. When I feel overwhelmed, I often recall Jesus saying, 'Do not be afraid.' It’s a gentle but firm command that reminds me He is with me, protecting me. This isn't about ignoring problems, but about trusting that God is bigger than any problem. It's about letting His peace, which surpasses all understanding, guard my heart and mind. So, if you're like me and sometimes let fear take over, remember Paul's words and Jesus' promises. Choosing faith over fear is a journey, but it's one that leads to true, lasting happiness.
