What are your fears? Here’s just a few of mine – harm coming to a love one, rejection, debilitating illness, financial ruin, indecent exposure (by me), and failure. Also, spiders, snakes, frogs, lizards and most bugs – lady bugs are okay I guess.
Fear is defined as “a distressing emotion aroused by an impending pain, danger, evil, etc. or the illusion of such”. In order to best understand fear, it’s important to distinguish between fear and anxiety. They often occur together but these terms are not interchangeable. Fear comes for a known or understood threat, whereas anxiety comes from an unknown, expected or poorly defined threat.
There are two types of fear – healthy and unhealthy. The first kind protects us from harm and is tied to our “fight or flight” reflex. Healthy fear also promotes a reverence and respect for God. The second type of fear includes irrational fears with come from Satan and are designed to make us miserable and destroy our lives.
I recently discovered Michelle Poler, a young woman who had lived her life paralyzed by fear. She launched a Fear Challenge where she faced a fear each day for 100 days and has inspired many across the globe to try to overcome their fears. She sky-dived, zip-lined, roller-coastered, held a tarantula, rode a bull and much more.
Do you sometimes feel overcome by fear? Do your fears hold you back from living your best life? Here are some things that may be helpful in fighting your fears.
Name Your Fears
So what are some of your unhealthy or irrational fears? Sometimes merely naming your fears helps give you the awareness and strength to deal with them.
Read the Word of God
The greatest weapon against fear is the Word of God. The Bible tells us not to fear over 200 times. Here are some Bible verses that I found inspiring for overcoming fear.
“I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears” (Psalm 34:4).
“All your children will be taught by the Lord, and great shall be their peace. In righteousness you will be established: Tyranny will be far from you; you will have nothing to fear. Terror will be far removed; it will not come near you” (Isaiah 54:13-14).
“…God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’ So we may say with confidence: ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?’” (Hebrews 13:5-6).
“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).
Face Your Fears
What if we actually faced out fears and did things we thought we’d never do?
- If you are afraid of public speaking, do it anyway!
- If you are afraid of air travel, take a flight!
- If you are afraid of taking on a project because you might fail, take it on!
Stop saying that you can’t or won’t and go after the “I can do it because my God is able”!
I can tell you for sure that I will not be holding a snake or a spider – or singing in public (you should be very thankful for that one). However, I like the idea of facing my fears and may work towards a mini Fear Challenge. Don’t think I can commit to 100 days though!
Trust in God
Trusting in God is our ultimate remedy for fear. Yet, that sometimes seems easier said than done. He tells us that perfect love casts out fear, and that He is love.
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love” (1 John 4:18).
Here is an exercise that may help to solidify your trust in God. Try writing out a list of things that you have irrational fears about. Then present each of them to God. After you have given them all to God, rip up your sheet.
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you” (Psalm 56:3).
“The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? The Lord is with me; he is my helper.” Psalm 118:6-7
Focus on the Positive
In Philippians Chapter 4, Paul tells believers what they should focus on. He doesn’t mention fear, terrorism or failure.
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:8-9).
We will end with this Scripture.
“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).
REFLECT
What are your fears?
What could you challenge yourself to do to overcome them?
