The greatest revelation in my life was that of being made righteous in Christ. My self-image changed. My vision changed. My attitude changed. My fears began to leave. It wasn’t an instant change. It was a process. But the plant that grew from the seed of righteousness has continued to transform me. Until we can truly see ourselves as clean before God, faith will be a struggle. It will be hard to ‘hear’ Him if we are possessed with doubt about our own worth. Our fears will come upon us. In spite of our religious performance, like Job who worshipped in fear, what we greatly fear will find us.
The fear of the wicked will come upon him, And the desire of the righteous will be granted. (Prov. 10:24)
But when the desire comes, it is a tree of life. (Prov. 13:12)
Fear: The default state of mankind since the Garden of Eden. Fear is the manifestation of a broken relationship with the Father. It is a symptom of unrighteousness, guilt and condemnation.
Faith: The natural heart condition of the new creation. Faith is the manifestation of a restored relationship with the Father. Faith is a symptom of righteousness.
If you are still battling fears, lack of confidence, doubts and lack of vision, it is because the tree of life (righteousness) has yet to be planted in you, or it is still in seed form.
In righteousness you shall be established; You shall be far from oppression, for you shall not fear; And from terror, for it shall not come near you. (Isa. 54:14)
Let the truth of God’s Word find a place in your heart. Meditate day and night upon the verses that speak of righteousness, the righteous and the just. Let them transform your thinking and find their way into your heart. Refuse fear! It is your choice.
For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. (2 Cor. 5:21)