The Christian life is marked by grace and a "peace that surpasses all understanding" (see Philippians 4:7) coming from the Lord. However, if your life is marked by fear and irritation more than the Godly traits of peace and grace, something is definitely wrong.
Check yourself. Are your decisions in life made secure by the grace and peace that comes from knowing that God loves you and that He desires to give you what's best? Or are your choices defined by the fears that you have, as well as the irritation and impatience that you feel whenever you want something done?
The Bible tells us: gauge yourself.
"Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves" (2 Corinthians 13:5).
If you find that your life is controlled more by fear and irritation, compared to the positive influence that God's grace and peace exerts, here are some things that you can do to regain your freedom in the Lord.
1) Do not fear
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10)
As a Christian, we must understand that the God who loves us, and the Lord that saved us is more powerful than anything that presents itself mighty in this life and in the life to come. In fact, your fears have no basis when you "fear" Him who loves you! Philippians 2:10-11 says that "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
So what do you do when fear tries to get the best of you? Grab a hold of that fear and command it to shut up in Jesus' name! 2 Corinthians 10:5 says you should take your fear captive and make it submit to the Lordship of Christ! Remember who is really Lord, it's Jesus, not your problem or circumstances.
2) Wait upon the Lord
Irritated? Trust in the Lord and His timing. Psalm 27:14 tells us to "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." Some things might be testing your patience right now, but the Bible tells us to wait.
Learn to calm yourself in trusting God. He is never late, nor too early. Trust Him with His plans. Psalm 46:10 says, "He says, 'Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.'"
Patience is also a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). If you're having a hard time being patient, ask the Holy Spirit to help you. He'll be glad to bear that fruit in you.
STILL STRUGGLING? READ MORE ABOUT OVERCOMING FEAR HERE:
How to use your fear to help grow your faith
3 lessons on how to overcome fear with faith from Matthew 6:25-34
How God's perfect love breaks fear and anxiety
