We all have to face up to fear at some point in our lives, if not every day. Friends, it doesn’t have to be this way, there are ways to overcome unnecessary fear in your life. I say unnecessary because a certain level of fear (anxiety) is normal.
The 5 basic fears of mankind
- Extinction-fear of death.
- Mutilation-fear of something happening to our bodies, such as pain.
- Loss of autonomy-fear of being restricted which can be either physical (claustrophobia) or social (relationships).
- Separation-fear of abandonment and rejection.
- Ego-death-fear of humiliation and shame.
All the fears we face can supposedly be related back to these 5 categories. What are some of your fears? Do they fit in here?
The well known Christian author and speaker, John Mc Arthur said: “There are two causes of fear basically, one is a guilty conscience. (Sin you haven’t dealt with) The other is a lack of trust.” (Believing God can’t handle the situation)
Opponents use fear tactics to control and manipulate
Consequences of abnormal fear
This type of destructive fear is not from God. The Bible says quite a bit about fear, worry, and anxiety. It is important to God because He knows how debilitating it can be and that it will prevent us from walking in His blessings. God does not want us to be fearful of anything in this world.
God’s promise to overcome fears of this world
- God is always with us, we are never alone (Joshua 1:9)
- God will keep us safe (Psalm 145:19-20); Proverbs 29:25)
- He gives us strength. (Isaiah 41:10)
- He helps us. (Isaiah 41:13)
- He provides for us. (Psalm 111:5)
In the midst of the raging storms, in the core of your deepest hurt, He is there.
The enemy
Trusting God is a sign of Faith
God will never let you down
Fear leads to disobedience
Trust in the small things
How do we overcome fear in our lives?
1. Know the word of God.
God’s word is full of His promises to us. It equips us for the battle, highlights the truth, and gives us hope in the knowledge that we are never alone. Spend time in the word to familiarize yourself with these passages.
Philippians 4:6-7: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication (specific requests) with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
2. Pray
Seek the Lord daily through prayer. Take all your fears, anxieties and worries to Him.
Psalm 34:4: “I sought the LORD, and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears.”
Psalm 118:5-6: “From my distress, I called upon the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me in a large place.
The Lord is for me; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”
Memorize Psalm 27 to read in times of fear
3. Give thanks and praise
Give praise that we have nothing to fear with Him watching over us. Thank the Lord each time He does deliver you from fear. He is so worthy.
And finally ask yourself these questions: What is in your heart? Faith or fear? Who do you serve? God or the enemy?
Resources
Psychology Today: The (Only) 5 Fears we share
Activities
Write a list of all the things you fear in this world, excluding God. Dig deep. They may not be immediately obvious. Then take them to the Lord and lay them at His feet.
Memorize some favorite scriptures on fear that can be called to mind when you are feeling anxious.
If you would like more information on fear, preceptaustin.org has the most extensive amount of information I have ever seen on the subject. Visit their webpage and type “fear” into the search box.
Prayer Corner
If you need prayer, somebody to chat to or advice, you are welcome to:
- Email me directly kerrys@thewateringwell.com
- Send me a private message on Facebook
- Post your request in the comments section below
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