As we have been discussing previously, fear binds the soul of man much like the jaws of a predatory animal clasps the flesh of its prey. Previously, we said that there is nothing to fear, except to fear God Himself because He is the Lord Almighty who holds the hearts of kings like water and turns it wherever He wants (Prov. 21:1). We also said that faith is counter to fear and this is held by the peace of God in our hearts. I want us to take a closer look on this fruit of the Spirit that keeps everyone of the fruit of the Spirit intact.

Because the Kingdom of darkness works through  the principles of ignorance, envy, hatred, and murder, the faith of man in God is the greatest measure of his success of abiding in peace and love. One cannot really love His neighbor without peace between them because the Kingdom of God is built on the foundations of righteousness and justice (Ps. 89:14) and love is its bond. When one walks in fear, fear keeps us anxious about everything from future insecurity to present incompatibility. This too is the reason why Jesus said, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. “Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls.  30 “For My yoke is easy, and My load is light” (Matt 11:28-30). At the time, John the Baptist was imprisoned and about to be beheaded, yet the Lord gave this comfort to his disciples, that they who are suffering, depressed, lonely and downtrodden should not give in to fear, but take heart, and bring this yoke of bondage to the Lord so that He will carry this for you. Again, we are told by Peter who echoed the same words to us, ^“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you”(1 Peter 5:6-7).

There are many people in this world who are hurting and yet they want to carry their burdens more than giving it to Christ who wants to carry it for them. This is pride of the greatest measure, that we think we can do it alone without needing God all the way. This is why Peter exhorts us that we must humble ourselves so that He may deliver us at the proper time, and the first step to do this is to cast our anxieties to Him. Have you encountered any debilitating illness in the past weeks? Or have you arguments with your spouse that continue to beset you? Or did you fail to obey God in one area in your life that continue to bear on your conscience?

All these are just examples of problems, troubles and sins that we must learn to bring to Jesus Christ because He can carry them for us. The Lord cares for us. He cares for even the most mundane thing that we desire of because He is our Father who looks to us as His child. As a father myself, it won’t do me good to see my child in bondage to any alcohol, drugs, or irrational fears. I would even exchange all that I have, my riches and wealth just to see him well and free. The Lord tells us the same,

“Or what man is there of you, if his son asks him for a loaf of bread, will hand him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will hand him a serpent?

If you then, evil as you are, know how to give good and  advantageous gifts to your children, how much more will your Father Who is in heaven [perfect as He is] give good and  advantageous things to those who keep on asking Him!” (Matthew  7:9-11 AMP). Be free!