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Since we have Spirit of power, love and sound mind at work in us, my wife and I have developed a different approach to what if voices of enemy? Instead of worrying and becoming paralyzed with fear, or eaten up with anxiety, we begin to speak some different what ifs. What if God brings us provision? What if God fixes this broken thing or replaces it? What if God heals us? What if God watches over our children? What if God brings us out of debt? What if God blesses us? In other words, we counter fear with faith, curse with blessing, and anxiety with joyful anticipation.
The devil tries to throw a lot of what ifs at us, but he cannot bring any of them to pass—-unless we start to believe them. On other hand, God has many wonderful promises for us, and if we trust Him, He will bring them all to pass. God is not moved by our worries or fears, but He is moved by our faith in His Word. So instead of repeating any of things devil whispers in our ears, why not start repeating Word of God. The lies of enemy cannot stand up to truth of Word.
The psalm writer said, “In multitudes of my anxieties within me, your comforts delight my soul.” That is, instead of turning himself over to his anxious thoughts, though they were overwhelming, he turned himself over to Lord. Instead of meditating on worry, he meditated on Word. He pressed into his covenant with God. In this way, he experienced comfort of divine love and faithfulness, instead of chaos of fear and anxiety.
This strategy calls for two definite, qualitative, and decisive actions:
First, let go of anxieties. They may come into your head, but do not give them a place in your heart. When devil comes and whispers fear into your ear, do not give it life by speaking it with your mouth. Give it no quarter.
Second, embrace comforts of Lord—His Spirit, His Word, His power, His love and soundness of His own mind. Then open your mouth and, instead of repeating fears, start speaking promises.
In margin of my Bible, at Psalm 94.19, I have expressed it as an equation (not very grammatical, but it works): Let go of anxieties + Embrace comforts of Lord = Delights my soul.
Jeff Doles is the author of *Praying With Fire: Learning to Pray With Apostolic Power* and *Healing Scriptures and Prayers*. He and his wife Suzanne are the founders of Walking Barefoot Ministries. For more faith-building articles, or more information about this ministry, visit their website at www.walkingbarefoot.com.