Many people live in fear. Fear is defined as “a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, or pain, whether the threat is real or imagined”. Fear carries the feelings of foreboding, apprehension, dismay, dread, terror, fright, and panic”. In other words fear is not good, and the devil uses it to keep people in a state of worry and anxiety, thus preventing many people from enjoying life.
We all need to check what fears we have in our life. What are we afraid of and where we are limited because of our fears?
Some common fears are: fear of lack, death, loneliness, other people, commitment, heights, germs, closed-in spaces, airplanes, dogs, cats, failure, rejection, or being laughed at.
When we don’t deal with fear it leads to anxiety and worry, limiting our potential, and God’s purposes for our life. Which is exactly what the author of fear – the devil wants.
Therefore all of us must learn to deal with fear if we want to live free and the best way to combat fear, is to get strong in it’s opposite; which is faith. And where does faith come from? From being in relationship with God, and from knowing His word and hearing it.
“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17)
When we take an inventory of what we are feeling worried and fearful about, God will show us what the root cause of any worry and fear is. When we have that revelation, we can then build our faith in that area by applying the truth of God’s word and His promises.
We apply His Word by:
Finding every promise in God’s word on the subject of our particular worry and fear.
Writing God’s word down. Put it on your phone, white board, the bathroom mirror, wherever you will see it.
Speaking God’s word out – faith comes from hearing. Every time the fear rises up or thoughts cause you to worry, get the promises of God’s word and speak them over your fear, and “stick it” to the fear.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”(Psalm 56:3)
“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)
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4)
Our faith in God, and what He says will remove and replace any fear with faith and peace, setting us free.
Today face your fears, and ask God to bring revelation of the root of your anxiety and fear. Once you have that revelation, apply the word of God, build your faith and break the bondage of fear.
Prayer: Lord I thank you that I don’t need to live in fear, for you are faithful to your promises and their ability to work in my life. Help me to face my fears, and to trust in you so that I can live in freedom. In Jesus name Amen.