Overcoming Fear

Have you ever battled with fear? Are you afraid of the future or stepping out into you God-given calling or are you constantly on edge fearing that something bad will happen? Let’s face it, we have all faced fear at some point in our lives. Fear appears to be a common emotion that many of us have experienced and is defined in the Oxford Dictionary as an unpleasant emotion caused by the threat of danger, pain, or harm. This may be as a result of trauma, a bad experience or a sudden change of circumstances.

I can admit that I have battled with fear, more so at the beginning of this year. In this time I became so overwhelmed and I can only describe the feeling I felt as crippling. Recently, those same feelings tried to come back to the point I could feel the strain on my heart, however God is a healer and a deliverer. I was able to pray with friends and give every negative emotion over to God and the feeling of fear went away.

Fear Limits You

Like insecurity and rejection as previously discussed in this Overcoming Series, fear is one of the things that can stop us from walking in our purpose and reaching our full potential. This is because it can begin to control our way of thinking, which can ultimately alter our behaviours and actions.

In the Bible we see the story of Elijah in 1 Kings. Elijah was a prophet who destroyed the prophets of Baal because of their worship to their false God. When Jezebel heard of this, she sent a message that she will do the same to Elijah, as what he had done to the prophets of Baal.

“And when he saw that, he arose and ran for his life, and went to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there.”‬

‭‭1 Kings‬ ‭19:3

Despite Elijah being a prophet and a prayer warrior, he still became fearful to the point where he fled. Many of us become so fearful of opposition or people trying to discourage us that we would rather forfeit our calling or purpose than step out and feel uncomfortable. We see in the next verse that Elijah even prayed that God would take his life. I believe this is when discouragement set in. Fear will leave you discouraged, but God is faithful and met Elijah where he was. He will do the same for you too. When Elijah cried out to Him, God sustained him and Elijah still left a legacy and ascended into heaven.

Fear vs Faith

Fear is an opposition to our faith.

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”‭‭

Hebrews‬ ‭11:1‬ ‭‬‬

Many people struggle with faith as it is something that cannot be seen, only hoped for. Fear denies the hope that God will take care of us no matter what trials or tribulation we come up against. We see this in Matthew 14:29-31 when Jesus told Peter to step out of the boat. The Bible says that Peter walked on the water to go to Jesus. This was an act of faith. However, when he saw that the wind was rough, he was afraid and began to sink. Have you ever been in this situation? Again, like in the story of Elijah, we see Gods intervention when Peter cried out to Him.

God Has Not Given Us A Spirit of Fear

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”‭‭

2 Timothy‬ ‭1:7‬ ‭

This verse in 2 Timothy tells us that fear is a spirit. This spirit is not of God, therefore it is our enemy. For that reason we need to combat the enemy in the Spirit by prayer, worship, fasting, faith and the Word of God (Ephesians 6:10-12). Invite the Holy Spirit in, for this is not by our own strength, but by Gods Spirit (Zechariah 4:6). When we start to do this we will see that we have the power over our thoughts and the enemy, we have the love of Christ, and we will have a sound mind that is free from doubt and negativity.

So how do we overcome fear? Below are some helpful scriptures that I meditate on at times where I am consumed with fear or anxiety. I believe they will help you too.

1. Let God’s Love Cast Out Fear.

“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear…”

1 John 4:18

2. Trust God.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”

Proverbs‬ ‭3:5-6‬ ‭‬‬

3. Have Faith That God Will Be With You.

“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

Isaiah‬ ‭41:10

4. Wait On God, He Is Your Strength.

“Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!”

Psalms‬ ‭27:14‬ ‭

5. Believe that Because of His Strength You Can Be Strong and Courageous.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Joshua‬ ‭1:9‬ ‭‬‬

6. Cast Your Burdens Unto Him.

“Cast your burden on the Lord, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.”‭‭

Psalms‬ ‭55:22‬ ‭‬‬

7. Pray With Trusted Friends.

“Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”‭‭

James‬ ‭5:16‬

8. Declare That You Are A Conqueror.

“Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.”‭‭

Romans‬ ‭8:37‬

9. Declare That You Are Set Free From The Spirit Of Fear.

“Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.”‭‭

John‬ ‭8:36‬ ‭

Let’s Pray

Heavenly Father, You have not given me the spirit of fear but of power and of love and of a sound mind. I therefore ask that you would cast out this spirit of fear in the name of Jesus. I bind and rebuke every strategy of the enemy and render him useless from operating in my mind, heart and spirit. Today, I choose to not be anxious, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, I will let my requests be made known to You, and Your peace which surpasses all understanding will guard my heart and mind through Christ Jesus. Amen!

I pray this post encouraged you and that you find the above scriptures helpful. Feel free to leave a comment and share.

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Stay blessed and encouraged!

With love,
Nkay