We don’t have to live in fear.
Isn’t that great news?
Yes, if only.
In a previous post, “How Do We Fight the Fear?” we touched on specific types of fear.
But really, when it comes down to it, fear is fear.
Ever feel like this:
Fearfulness and trembling have come upon me, And horror has overwhelmed me.
You’re not alone.
David, a man after God’s own heard, cried out these words to God in prayer. That’s Psalm 55:5. Countless people in the Bible felt fear. God allowed us to know that for a reason.
They were human, and so are we.
But just because we’re human, doesn’t mean we have to be bound by fear.
Ever realize fear can be misinterpreted as being love?
Often times our fear stems from worrying about those we love, doesn’t it?
In counseling training we’re taught this:
Fear and worry can be interpreted as love, which is unhealthy.
When looking up the word fear in the dictionary,
we find this:
- to be afraid of (something or someone)
- to expect or worry about (something bad or unpleasant)
- to be afraid and worried
- anxious concern
Look closely at the list.
See any characteristics of God?
See anything here that would remotely resemble His plan for us?
Nope.
When we compare our fear to God, what once seemed enormous becomes small in comparison.
If that doesn’t click, we’re looking at God through human limitations. We’re talking about God, who has overcome your world of trouble and mine.
Taking action helps us work through fear.
Let’s try this:
- Take out paper and pen
- Write down the root of your fear
- Write down the source of your worry
- Write down the cause of your anxiety
There are proven health benefits to journaling,
and now we’re going to add proven spiritual health benefits:
- Take the key word from each bullet point, and find a scripture about it (you can even Google phrases like: scriptures about fear; scriptures about worry; scriptures about anxiety).
- Choose a scripture pertaining to that key word.
- Write out the scripture.
- Pray this: “God, when I feel fear of ___________, Your Word says: ___(insert scripture)____ , help me to believe it, grab hold of it, live it.
Memorize the scripture, stick it on your mirror, tape it to your dashboard. Hide it in your heart.
Fear needs to be dealt with, we need to face it down, run to it, like David and the giant.
Fight it. But not by our own might, but by the Spirit of the Lord-the Sword of the Spirit.
Fear is real, but there’s nothing more real than God.
Have you ever thought about fear being a lack of trust in God?
Ouch. Yeah, that’s the reality of it, the root of it.
God’s love is bigger than our biggest fear. Here’s another tidbit from counseling training:
Love is the enemy of fear ~ if we put on love, fear has to go.
God loves us, holds our future, and knows our tomorrows.
His plan for us doesn’t include living in fear.
I sought the Lord, and He heard me, And delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4
Feeling fear doesn’t mean we’ve lost our faith, it means we need to cast out fear in Jesus’ Name, and reel back in the measure of faith we’ve been given.
Take every thought captive under the obedience of Christ; cut off the downward spiral of fearful thoughts.
So we may boldly say:“The Lord is my helper; I will not fear…
Hebrews 13:6
We know it’s the enemy, because God didn’t give us a spirit of fear. He gives us a spirit of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Check out 2 Timothy 1:7.
When fearful thoughts come, push them out. Meditate on scripture, sing a worship song, call a friend.
We have no time for fear in our lives, we’ve got things to do.
We’ve got a world to change, and we are the light.
Let’s not allow the enemy to scare us into a dark corner.
What fears have you fought?
Love this post, Doris! I especially like your practical list for over coming fear. Right now I’m starting down fears of the future. A door God told me to close has slammed shut in my face, but I’m terrified to just depend on God guiding my writing journey.
Thank you for checking out the post, and for your encouraging comments! Keep staring down those fears, because God holds your future in His hands. I’ve felt fear too, and at times (like yesterday lol), I question this whole writing journey thing. But if God is in it, we’ll see the fruit. It’s more terrifying not to depend on God in this writing journey, so hang in there! Sometimes we focus on the fear, when it’s more a matter of trust. Trust God, because even when we don’t see what He’s doing, we can trust He is always doing something and we can be assured it’s for our good. He’s faithful, and doors that slam certainly make some things clear, amen? Can’t wait to hear where He takes you next. Write on my friend!