Faith or Fear?

During these times of troubles in our economy, are we living in fear or faith? Do we believe that God can do what He says He can do? In Phillipians 4:19 it says, "My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ jesus". In Matthew chap. 6, it talks about God taking care of the birds of the air by feeding them and that we are so much more valuable than them and He will take care of us also. In vs. 30 it tells us to not worry about what we shall eat, what we shall drink and about what we shall wear, "for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things." Vs. 31, " But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." Key word "seek first the kingdom". If we are not worrying and full of fear then we can seek first His kingdom and put our trust and faith in Him. The word says that He will take care of us, if we believe! We must believe that God is who He says He is and will do what He says He will do. We serve a God who cannot lie (Titus 1:2) We must live in faith and not fear. "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind." 1 Timothy 1:7. When we are walking in fear, we don't usually have a sound mind, it definetly is not a peaceful mind. In 1 John 4: 18 it says "fear involves torment". Think about it, it is so true. Fear will cause worry and play games with your mind. When we are wrapped up in fear, we are worrying about the circumstances around us and not trusting God to deliver us and take care of us, we are not acting in faith. It can be very difficult to do when everything around is falling apart but we must put fear behind us and have faith that God will take care of us, like He said He would, if we will trust Him.
What is faith? Hebrews 11:1 says, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." I like what the Living Bible says, "What is faith? It is the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen. It is the evidence of things we cannot yet see." Faith is believing, no matter what the circumstances look like!
Are we walking in faith or fear? If we are walking in fear, then we need to cast those thoughts down (1 cor. 10:5) and renew our mind with faith filled thoughts (God's word), because "faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Romans 10:17
Keep this in mind, Hebrews 11:6 says, "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him."
Faith or fear? You choose! " But the just shall live by faith" Habakkuk 1:4