Faith over Fear

We don't have to live life afraid

In these uncertain times , its easy for our minds to suddenly resort to worry. In a moment we can be filled with anxiety and paralyzed with fear if we are not anchored in God. This is not to say that fear won't come , or that we are never afraid, rather, it is deciding what we give our attention to and believe.

As someone who battled with fear for a long time I can say from experience it can inhibit your growth and immobilize you. It's difficult to walk in purpose when you allow fear to rule in your mind and heart. Instead, we must learn to walk by faith in God and learn what His word says , because His word is truth and will free us from all ungodly terrors. This is not a complete guide or answer to overcoming fear , but it is some tips in what has helped me in my walk.

One important thing to recognize is that God did not design us to live in fear; 2nd Timothy 1:7 NKJV "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind". He did not create us to tremble at the unknown and allow anxiety to fill us. Actually over and over again we are told through scripture not to fear because God is with us (see scripture reference below). Who or what do we have to be afraid of when the one who created all things is with us? Who can stand against God? There is nothing too difficult for God to handle and we know He wants us to live an abundant life in Him ( see John 10:10 ). Jesus came so we would be free, therefore don't be bound by allowing fear and anxiety to control your lives.

It is a choice , we have to make a decision to steady our mind on what is true even when we don't know all the details, we must have faith and trust that God will provide. Hebrews 11:1 NIV says "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see". Faith is the action of trusting and hoping in God no matter how our emotions lead, what circumstances may come or who is in opposition. Fear would have us give in to despair while faith says I choose to believe God.

It's important to be mindful of what your watching and listening too. Do you listen to the news more than the word of God? Are your surroundings fear filled or faith filled? Are you spending time in God's presence , talking,worshiping and seeking Him? The bible says in psalms 16:11 that in his presence there is fullness of joy. If you are filled with joy then there will be no room for fear. The word of God also says perfect love casts out all fear 1st John 4:18 , have you opened your heart to receive His full love or is something blocking you from believing?

Lastly, there is no simple answer to overcoming fear as what works for one may not come as easily for others. Fear is a stronghold for many and the root of various other issues manifested in our lives ; it is connected to other problems such as low self esteem and rejection etc. As a result a person should seek out a deliverance ministry where a pastor can pray and guide them through deliverance.

What worked for me is singing/worship, prayer, fasting, studying and mediating on the scriptures; making a conscience decision to choose to have faith and believe God even when I was not sure of the outcome. When fear filled my thoughts I would search scriptures on faith/fear , read and pray them until I fell asleep in the presence of God (I would do the same singing hymns and worshiping God until all fear left). I took solace in the fact that God is still in control and wants what is best for me. I combated fear with what He said in His word, gaining an understanding that God is over all things and nothing will happen without Him knowing. God is Sovereign and I am completely in his hands.

Isaiah 41:10 NIV "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" Psalms 23:4 NIV "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" Joshua 1:9 NKJV "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Mark 5:36 NIV " Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” Revelation 1:17 NIV "When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last."" Psalm 46:1-3 NIV "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, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging." Psalm 118:6 NIV "The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?" John 14:27 NIV "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."