1. Recall a time when you felt afraid and alone. When was it? I often feel alone at night, when I am feeling panicky. Sometimes I feel afraid and alone when I allow my mind to wander. I felt afraid and alone after Lisa died, even with David camped out on my floor. I felt alone and afraid when Lydia was in the hospital in Pittsburgh.
2. Read Psalm 46:1. In times of trouble, what kind of help does God offer? "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." He offers a strong, secure help that is always there.
3. How does knowing that God is your ever-present help comfort you and calm your fears? (Or if it doesn't comfort you, talk about why.) I've really been working on letting God's ever-present help comfort me and calm my fears. Even if I'm in the valley of the shadow of death, it's still only a shadow, and God is right there with me. It still may be scary, but I'm protected, and I need to remember that. As long as I let the depth of God's protection sink in, I'm ok. It's bigger than just a band aid. It's armor. His protection is real. And He has the big picture in mind...which also provides a lot of hope to me.
4. Write James 1:2-4 here: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kids, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
5. How do you view the trials in your life? Are you fearful? Joyful? Angry? Do you see them as disastrous? Explain. My view of trials is constantly changing. Sometimes, I actually am joyful deep down, because I feel like when I have trials, its the enemy fighting back, and now that I'm aware of the enemy's work, I know he is already defeated. We are fighting from victory, not for victory. However, sometimes I feel pity. Why do I have to fight this battle? Why can't I have an easy life? If I'm not rested, or if I'm over emotional, I definitely have a tendency to turn a small thing into something disastrous if I do not take time to process. For me, a slow, careful approach to my trials really helps. I am also consistently relying on Scripture to get me through trials lately.
6.a. According to James 1:3, what are our trials producing in our lives? Explain in your own words. Our trials are producing perseverance. Just like strength training, the harder you work out, the more you go through, the better and stronger you will come out.
b. Where do you see that process at work in your life, if at all? My anxiety. My weight loss. Learning how to overcome spiritual battles.
7. List the things found in verse 4 that develop from endurance or perseverance. 1. Maturity. 2. Completeness.
8. What Christlike qualities are you gaining or have you gained through the losses in your life? I have definitely learned to be more loving and appreciate people. I also have learned to give people grace when necessary.
9. Write a prayer thank God for the good work He is doing in you and for helping you to conquer your fears in the process. Thank Him for being an ever-present help.
"God, I want to thank you so much for all the work you are doing in me right now. I feel like you are spending an awful lot of time on me, and its humbling, and honoring and exciting. I do want to thank you for being a source of help that is always there. I have many trials, fears, temptations and times that I just need to cling to you, and I'm so thankful that you are there, waiting with open arms, and being a God that I can trust.
I'll admit, I'm still rather apprehensive about studying about these fears God. I'm not sure if I will ever be able to master letting them go. But, I know you will help me try. You will cheer me one. You will support me. Your word promises me that ever-present help. I really love you Lord, and I'm grateful for what you promise to be for me. Love, Sarah"
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