"Do Not Fear"

In this episode, Jodi Hayward shares some insights on the fear phenomenon and God's invitation to lean on him in uncertainty.  Fear is a normal expression of our humanity, but it can become a thief if left untethered- robbing us of the ability to enjoy life and identify the beauty in it. But Jodi reminds us of God's heart to secure ours- “He will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trusts in you.” (Isaiah 26:3)

About the Speaker:
Jodi Hayward is an Educational Consultant in Kansas City, Missouri. She has been married to her husband Mark for 35 years and loves being a mother to her adult children: Nate and his wife Kendall, Mallory and her husband Jeremy, and Ariana. She is a grandmother to Ellie Jo, a 4 year-old, who keeps her laughing. Jodi loves God, His Kingdom, and finding sunshine- literally and metaphorically.


Episode Notes:

Lament: a passionate expression of grief & sorrow.

Lam. 3: 55-58

Fear:

• Unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat!
• A feeling of anxiety concerning the outcome of something or the safety and well-being of someone. 
• “Fear robs me of the ability to enjoy life and see the beauty of it.”
•  Fear as a verb: avoid or put off doing something because you are afraid! 

 What helps you to overcome your fears and trust God?

Isaiah 26:3 

1.     “God will keep in perfect peace”    

• Perfect: absolute, complete   
• Peace:  Free from disturbance, a mental calm, and serenity.

2.     “Him whose mind is steadfast”

• Steadfast: resolutely firm, determined & unwavering 

3.     “Because he trusts in you!”

• Is. 26:4 “Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord is the rock eternal!”
• Trust: Firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability or strength of someone or something. 

Heb. 12:1 "Let us throw off everything that hinders & the sin that so easily entangles, and run with perseverance the race marked out for us."

Q: What hinders you from being steadfast, determined & unwavering?

• Social media, feelings, emotions, or others opinions
• One of the things that can hinder me is my phone: all of its dings, pings and the call to worship it. Is it my golden calf? 
• What takes up your time & energy or distracts you? What are you really devoted too? 

God’s Word is the key!

• Rom. 10:17 Faith comes from hearing the message & the message is heard through the Word of Christ. 
• John 8:31-32 If, you hold to the teaching then you are really my disciples then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free…free from fear!
• Holding to God’s Word in a time of information overload.

James 1: 19-21:b Anger is a secondary emotion often driven by fear!

·      Fear drives me to be quick to speak & slow to listen

Lam 3:22-24

Lam. 3: 55-58- “You came near when I called you, and you said, ‘Do not fear’…you took up my case; you redeemed my life!”

Questions:

1. What helps you to overcome your fears? How can you cultivate that area in your life?
2. What is something that may be hindering you in your walk with God? Causing you to have more fear than faith!
3. What is a gem from God’s Word that can help you to grow?