Most of us want a perfect life. But life can be messy and full of unavoidable situations, obstacles, and stresses. Whether tangible or intangible, life holds many unpredictable circumstances that can cause you to be afraid or fearful. Illness, a new job, losing a job, spiders, doubt, clowns, insecurity, the dark, heights, death, and speaking in public are just a few.
Have you ever been fearful or afraid?
Fear is not from God and God does not want you to be fearful. First John 4:18b says, “The one who fears is not made perfect in love”. And Isaiah 41:10 says, “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.”
But no matter where you are in life, at some point, fear will find you. You cannot stop it. Fear happens. It’s a part of life. And it is very human and normal to be afraid.
Fear can make you feel helpless, uncomfortable, or like you may fail, miss out, be judged, or may cause you to lack confidence not knowing the outcome. Sometimes fear can grip and paralyze you. It can be debilitating, emotionally consuming, and controlling. At that point you become a victim.
Are you a victim of fear?
Hopefully not. And with God’s help, fear does not have to control you. In the middle of your circumstance, simply stand in faith. Choose faith instead or fear. Choosing faith requires making a choice. “For we walk by faith not by sight, living our lives in a manner consistent with our confident belief in God’s promises.” (2 Corinthians 5:7) Choosing faith does not mean you will never be fearful or afraid. It means you make a choice to exercise your faith as you process the fear.
Faith always defeats fear. And faith comes by knowing God. Read God’s Word, the Bible, and stand on His Word. His Word is true. Seek Him daily in prayer, all day, every day. Romans 10:17 tells you “Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God.” If you have faith, then fear is defeated. “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.”
1 John 4:18
The more you read His Word, the stronger your faith will be. “For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, Move from here to there, and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:20-21).
Ask the Lord to guide you so you will overcome the fear. When you are fearful, remember what God has promised. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9) “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4)
The Lord is always there to help you and protect you when you are weak, doubtful or afraid, in any situation and in any circumstance. “The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” (Psalm 118:6)
Thinking back, has being fearful hurt you in the past, or has it benefitted you?
God wants you to give your fears to Him and have faith in Him. “Jesus told him, ‘Don’t be afraid; just believe.” (Mark 5:36) In the movie The Lion King, Raficki the monkey says, “Oh yes, the past can hurt. But the way I see it, you can either run from it, or learn from it.” The way I see it, you have to know where you’ve been to know where you’re going. So, why don’t you just let go of your fear and have faith in God.
