Are you someone who is constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop? Do you find it’s easier to expect the worst than the best? Do you find yourself fearful that God won’t really come through for you?
As women, our fears range from living out our lives alone, to not being able to have children, to losing our jobs or homes or someone close to us. Often, our fears are rooted in a misunderstanding of who God really is. Depending on your upbringing, you may see God as the One who seeks to pay you back for mistakes you’ve made in the past. Or, maybe you see Him as One who will think good and hard before coming to your aid when you find you are in need. But God isn’t an angry god with a vengeance to get back at you. He’s the God who loves you and wants your love and trust in return.
Hebrews 11:6 says: “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” (NIV, emphasis added).
God wants your faith — not your fear — that He really can come through for you. But in order to have faith in Him, you must know who He is and be convinced He’s trustworthy. So let me give you two steps that will help you get to know — and love — this God you no longer need to fear.
1. Look to Scripture to Reshape Your Understanding of God
In order to really know and trust God , you have to give up any false perceptions of God by looking to the Bible to see who God really is. Get into His Word and you will discover:
- He’s not a god who holds your sin and mistakes against you. He’s the God who forgives you when you confess your sins (1 John 1:9), and also removes them from your record and makes you no longer accountable for them. Psalm 103:12 says: “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.”
- He’s not a god who considers you bad, but is instead the God who said, “I have loved you with an everlasting love” (Jeremiah 31:3).
- He isn’t a god who points his finger at you and shakes his head. He is instead the God who said “I know the thoughts that I think toward you…thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11).
- He isn’t a god who desires that you be punished. He is, instead, the God who laid down His life to suffer in your place so you would not have to be separated from Him for eternity (Romans 5:8, paraphrased).
- He is not a god who will withdraw his love from you if you do something wrong. He is, instead, the God who says “nothing can ever separate us from Christ’s love. Death can’t, and life can’t. The angels can’t and the demons can’t. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can’t keep God’s love away” from those who have put their trust in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:38, NLT).
2. Let God Show You His Softer Side
It wasn’t until I started looking for God’s softer side that I saw it. I saw Him as my Protector, Provider, Rescuer, Loving Father, Spiritual Husband, and Friend. God said, in Jeremiah 29:13: “And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.”
Look for the God who pursues your heart. And let His perfect love for you drive out your fear. He is a God who comes through for those He loves.
For more on God’s softer side, see my book When God Pursues a Woman’s Heart.
I’ve been feeling this way for a long time now
It has really been a burden. I believe but feel like God is teaching me a lesson. I have made huge mistakes being so weak minded. This is what I needed to hear. Thanks for sharing
Thanks, Shonnye, for your comment. When it comes to our feelings, we need to focus on the Facts of who God is over our feelings that mislead us. That will be the subject of my blog for the next few weeks. Stay tuned.
Cindi, thanks so much for this today. I am in a season in my life where I had to move for my work (a big promotion–dream job) but in this new location is someone I used to love that I never ever wanted to see again (unhealthy relationship). I have cried to God many times and asked him, why, when he promised to prosper me and give me hope and a future, am I here for my dream job but near my ‘sad past/ pain’. And slowly the answers are coming clear; I firmly believe that he has a reason and it is to bring me growth and goodness, not punishment. thanks!
Thanks, Laura, for sharing your heart and admitting how easy it is to second-guess God and yet His ways are higher than our ways — every time (Isaiah 55:8-11). Keep growing in this season of strengthening. And trust Him with your story.
Hi cindi,,
I just want you to know how much I appreciate your ministry . It seems or I know God uses you to speak to me when I feel a certain way ! ! In this time of my new single life . Things can be scary . But I know my Father will never forsake me. I just really need to get this down deep in my soul . Please never stop your encouraging emails . God bless you sister ! !
Thank you so much, Cesilia, for taking the time to let me know my blog/emails have been helpful. You have encouraged me in that way. I will keep sending the encouragement and you keep your eyes focused on Him. 🙂
I have to say, I came across an article you wrote about what to do when God does bot answer you when you want HIM to and a lot of what was said was a confirmation. You started out with Psalms 84:11 which is a huge confirmation. I am currently a divorced mother with an 11 year old son and was just recently laid off my job. I have been so frustrated and impatient and realized the more I became frustrated the more unanswered my prayers will be. God is not moved by my frustration, He is moved by my faith. If HE does not do it in my life, it won’t happen and He wants us to think just like that. I appreciate your article
Thank you, Keisha, for taking the time to comment. I’m glad you were encouraged by my blog and that Psalm 84:11 was a confirmation to you. Blessings….
Blessed good evening, Cindi. I just want to thank you very much for your words. I was so worried and felt down and so afraid of God not coming through for me. And as I read your words of encouragement about to have faith and not fear and to know who God is, I immediately feel a different and my faith was lifted and my tears become dry, I feel free . Thank you so much and may God continue to bless your ministry.
Thank you, Judy, for letting me know how that blog encouraged your heart. Keep trusting in your Savior to come through for you.
Wow that was so so powerful and I just want to thank yu so much for that am so confused n don’t really know too much bout things r happening to me but after reading your blog I am trusting and am not goin to be afraid am goin to trust in my lord and savior in Jesus name Amen