Dealing with Fear

Fear

Fear is universal, it is one of the most common challenge faced by humanity . If we sit and think about life, countless factors to be feared presents itself without much effort. The inevitability of  death , the possibility of losing a loved one or cherished relationship,being inadequate, financially unstable or losing power to name a few. 

Fear can be defined using the following words:


F- Fictitious, False, Fake

E- Empirical ,Evidence

A-Addictive , Appealing, Agonize

R- Realistic, Ruinous


Fear usually begins with a simple realistic  thought with supporting evidence. It is easy to harbor and meditate on a thought as it a product of your current situation. Soon the real  becomes distorted and corrupted with thoughts that are false.

Fear can be viewed as a weed, It is undesirable, if it is nurtured not plucked out it will soon overpower the healthy things in your life and either restrict growth or cause death. "Satan is always going to bring fear against us at various times. It's one of his major weapons—not a cap gun, but a cannon." ---Joyce Myers


Jesus implores us not to fear in Isaiah 41:10 "Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God.I will strengthen you,Yes, I will help you,I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."

Fear works  by igniting worry. Ask yourself, does worrying change my situation? NO.The bible says in Matthew 6:27 "And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life?"  
’Worrying has no benefits. It's a tool used by the devil to frustrate God's people, to steal joy , destroy lives and kill; physically kill as worry leads to stress which depletes health, kill dreams. Fear and worry can only be of the devil as the bible also says in 2 Timothy 1:7 " God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." 

What does fear do?

• Fear prevents you from living a joy filled life
• Steals your peace
• Increases stress levels
• Prevents you from accomplishing your dreams
• Prevents you from growing spiritually as the fear is the opposite of faith. Without faith it is impossible to please God

How Do you overcome fear?

Seeking God through prayer and having complete trust in him are the most powerful tools in the fight against fear.The Psalmist spoke of this in both Psalms 34:4" I sought the Lord and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears."  and  Psalms 46:1:2 ---God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea"

We are again guided in Philippians 4: 6-7 to seek and trust God . "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Once you prayer and surrender all to God he will deliver you and pour out his spirit on you. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the ,Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”

I encourage you to stand firm against the devil, use also  the sword of spirit in your fight. Here are some declaration you can use daily:

Psalm 27:1-The LORD is my light and my salvation-- whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life-- of whom shall I be afraid?

Psalm 118:6 - "The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"

Psalm 23:4 "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"

Deuteronomy 31:6- Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you"

John 14:27 - "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."