One of the primary issues in modern day life is the epidemic proportions of people suffering from anxiety and fear. Interestingly “Do not fear” is the number one command in the bible. Obviously God knew that we would be assaulted by the temptation to fear and “fear not” is mentioned over 365 times in His word. That’s because fear cuts us off from our life source and ability to really live. Our function, role and usefulness is hampered and we spend far too much of our time fighting to keep our head above water, rather than living the life for which we were created to live and fulfilling our purpose and assignments in life.

Fear is when we actually agree with the devil, who is our enemy and believe his lies instead of the truth of God’s goodness and kindness towards us.  When we believe the lie we empower the liar. Perhaps more often we need to ask ourselves the question, “How would we treat a friend who lies to us as often as our fears does, and then deal with the lies appropriately and kick them out of our life.

Jesus described the devil in this way and named him for what he is; a liar and not someone to listen to or entertain. He said, “He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” (John 8:44)

“Do not fear”; it’s within reach by God’s grace to be victorious over fear. When He gives us a command He empowers and enables us to deal with that which has come against us. He doesn’t want us spending all our time and energy on fighting against fear but actually encourages us that it is far better to fight for something that overrides fear, which is love. Instead of inadvertently making the things we are afraid and anxious of bigger through focusing all our attention on them, God teaches us to place our focus on the antidote to fear – love. God’s word says that “perfect love casts out all fear”, and to fix our eyes on His kindness, goodness and protection (1 John 4:18).

I’ve discovered that when I choose to lean into Jesus and connect with His great love for me through encountering Him on a daily basis, fear lifts and is replaced by love which empowers me to live the life for which I was made for. It’s in “hanging out” with Jesus and listening to His voice and experiencing His very real presence. He promises that “if we seek Him we will find Him if we seek Him with all our hearts.” (Jeremiah 29:13)

It’s not about more meetings, bible reading, quoting scripture, fasting, more activity, breakthroughs in worship or even being a good person; even though all those pursuits are admirable, but in slowing down and allowing Jesus to connect with me, and to let me know how loved I am by Him. That He gave up everything for me so why would He not also give us freedom from fear and every other good thing.

“What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?” (Romans 8:31-32)

Don’t keep living in fear and reacting to the circumstances and people around you based upon anxiety and fear. Instead let Jesus fill your heart with His love so that you can respond to the world around you with love and confidence and free from fear.

Prayer: Lord I give you all my fears and lay them all down for you to take care of. Please help me to connect with you and to know your love today. I choose to trust you with everything in my life because I know you are good. In Jesus name Amen.