Overcoming Fear

We cannot deny that fear is one of our fundamental human traits, and every day, we are confronted by many situations that prove this. For example, there is the fear of losing our jobs, our homes, our memory, our lives and much more, and truly, we have little or no control over any of those issues. Our only control in the matter is our choice to take initiative and go to God in prayer.

Fear enslaves our souls, causing us to doubt God’s lovingkindness and anticipate evil tidings. However, at 2 Timothy 1:7, the Scriptures teach that God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. This indicates that God does not want us to live in soul-crippling situations but to come to Him with our troubling concerns and trust Him to work things out.

Nevertheless, there are some justifiable fears we face, for example, the fear of an oncoming vehicle while attempting to cross the street, wild animals approaching us, and devastations like earthquakes and storms, just to name a few. But we can overcome overwhelming feelings of fear such as timidity in standing up for our rights, losing our livelihood, contracting illness and disease, and the outcome of troubling issues in our lives.

Are you living in fear of some kind? Maybe there is a serious challenge in your life and you are afraid that things will not work out favourably to you. Maybe you are afraid of the paths your children are choosing, thinking it can only bring destruction and hurt. It may be any of the many fears we face day by day. Here is a helpful solution: become very quiet and analyze the situation. Then inquire of yourself the true reason for your fear, which most likely, is totally unjustified, and go to God.

How can you overcome fear? Firstly, by recognizing the truth that God did not give His children the spirit of fear, and anything He did not give is not of Him, therefore fear is an enemy to your soul, and you can reject its seeming power over you. Secondly, by recognizing God the Father and Jesus, His Son as being totally free from fear, and affirming the truth of your oneness with them according to Jesus' prayer in John 17:21-23. Thirdly, by releasing your fears to God in communion and prayer, and trusting Him not only for deliverance from fear but also the perfect outworking of the issue at hand.

As we grow in the grace of God, we come to realize more deeply that fear is a deception out of the kingdom of darkness meant to keep our minds off God. And as children of God, we learn to daily affirm our position in Him, put on His whole armour against the kingdom of darkness and walk in the Kingdom of light.

Dear God, help me to realize the truth that greater is your power and love in me than anything in the world, and grant me the wisdom and strength to speak it. Amen.

SCRIPTURE HELPS: John 12:30-32; 1 John 4:4; Ephesians 6:13-18.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY: My heavenly Father did not give me a spirit of fear but of power and love, and sound mind. Greater is the power of the Spirit of God in me than he that is in the world.