By Wisdom a House is Built

In the previous chapters we have been establishing a baseline for approaching and understanding the subject of AWDF. In the remaining sections of this book we will examine how the “child of God” (also “sons of God”; see Joh 1:12–13; 11:52; Act 17:29; Rom 8:14–16, 19, 21; 9:8; Php 2:15; 1Jn 3:1–2, 10; 5:2; Mat 5:9; 12:50; Luk 20:36; Gal 3:26; 4:1–7; 1Pe 1:13–16) controls and overcomes it, with the chapters in this section of the book being the “chief corner stone” (see Mat 21:42; Mar 12:10; Luk 20:17; Act 4:11; 1Pe 2:6–7)—if you will allow the analogy—on which everything rests and the fulcrum that ties everything together. We will review the various tools, techniques, examples, and Scripture passages that the obedient believer can use to address AWDF and experience both inner and outer peace.1

Please understand that this won’t happen overnight—it is a process, not an event. Even the apostle Paul wrote that he “learned” how to be content in all things and under all circumstances (Php 4:11; cf. Heb 13:5).2, 3 Furthermore, overcoming and defeating AWDF doesn’t mean that God will give you everything you want and ask for or that your road (“pilgrimage”; see Heb 11:13–16; 1Pe 2:9–11 KJV) as a Christian will be simple and easy, for that is not what Scripture teaches.4

GOD IS NOT A GOD OF CONFUSION

This book has followed a logical progression (1Co 14:33; Pro 24:3), building in this manner:

1. To begin, one must have been “born again” (Joh 3:3–7) according to the instructions given in NT Scripture and must be “worshiping the Lord in spirit and truth” (see Joh 4:23–24). This was covered in Part 1: Gospel Review.
2. Then we looked at the problem of AWDF—what it is, what its underlying causes are—along with understanding fear and the reality of the world we live in. This was covered in Part 2: The Anxiety Asylum.

Now, as we begin moving forward in recovery from AWDF, we will study and learn the following subjects in Part 3: Anxious for Nothing:

3. Living in the Spirit: One must be “abiding in Christ and He in You” (paraphrase; Joh 15:1–10), for it is only by and through the power of Christ abiding in you that one can succeed in dealing with AWDF.
4. Understanding God: We must have a correct understanding and appreciation of God, including His nature, power, presence, patience, slowness to anger, kindness, love, grace, mercy, majesty, righteousness, and holiness. This may be the most important chapter in this entire book. How well you understand and truly believe that the Lord sees every single thing that happens to every single Christian (2Ch 16:9; 1Pe 3:12; Psa 11:4; 33:13–15; 34:15; 139:1–4, 7–12; Pro 5:21; 15:3; Heb 4:13; Job 34:21; Jer 16:17; 32:19; Zec 4:10; cf. Rom 8:28–29) and that He is a good and loving God of indescribable wisdom, might, power, and intelligence will determine how successful you are at overcoming and defeating AWDF in your life.
5. Trust in the Lord: We will discover what it means to “trust in the Lord”5 completely at all times, in all places, and for all things. This is the second most important chapter in the book.
6. The Peace of God: We will then look at what “the peace of God” (Php 4:6–7; Joh 14:27; 2Th 3:16; 1Pe 5:6–7) is and how a Christian gets it.
7. Understanding Prayer: Since prayer is the primary method by which we obtain “the peace of God,” we will examine what Christian prayer is (and what it is not) and how it is to be done.
8. Do Not Be Afraid: After all the above has been established, one can truly live without fear of man in this world.

While Parts 1–3 of this book present the meat of the material that allows one to overcome AWDF, Parts 4–7 offer further insights, practical applications, and deeper explorations to support a Christ-follower’s understanding and growth.

9. Part 4: Additional Topics addresses important perspectives regarding victory over AWDF, including adopting a biblical attitude toward hardship, maintaining peace amid false teachings, and cultivating thankfulness. It explores practical and spiritual insights, such as understanding needs versus wants, aligning with God’s timing and will, and embracing the victory Christ already won.
10. Part 5: Giants of the Faith looks at how some of the forerunners of our faith handled dark, difficult, dangerous, and stressful situations. Their testimonies can give us great motivation to do likewise.
11. Part 6: Being a Prayer Warrior includes specific prayers for some of life’s heaviest challenges.
12. Part 7: Closing Items offers practical guidance to deepen your faith by reading and studying the Bible,6 finding a church, and giving yourself a “faith tune-up.” For quick reference, there are verses related to AWDF, and I conclude with my testimony, a benediction, and helpful resources as you continue your walk with Christ.

Hopefully, the material in this book is something you can refer to as needed whenever AWDF starts to creep back into your life. With that said, let’s get started on the road to controlling, overcoming, and even eliminating AWDF.

CHAPTER PRAYER

Almighty God and heavenly Father, all praise and glory be to Your name. Thank You so much for everything You have already done for and given me, providing for me in ways I do not even realize. Father, I now desire to see my faith and trust in You grow and mature. Please grant me the necessary wisdom and understanding as I go forward, reading, studying, and learning about what Your Word has to say about how a Christian is to deal with (and overcome) anxiety, worry, doubt, and fear. Show me how to stand firm in the faith like so many of the saints who have come before me. Please also grant me the necessary time, attention, and energy to focus on diving deeper into Your Word so that it dwells in me when I face tough or difficult times and circumstances. Amen.