It often feels like everyday events that bombard us are leading to fear becoming more and more of a factor in our lives. But fear is not our friend. Our spiritual enemy, the devil, means to defeat us and immobilize our ministries and faith. When we let the enemy into our thoughts and lead us to fear, we are less likely to manifest the love and light of Christ. When others look at us, what do they see? Fear or faith? It is critical that we memorize and live this important Scripture:
Romans 8:28: “We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose.”
What is Fear?
What is fear in reality? It stands for “False Evidence Appearing Real.” It is a complete lie from the enemy who is constantly attacking our thoughts and telling us that things will never work out. All of us give the enemy power when we allow fear to enter our minds, hearts, and souls! As soon as we start the “what if’s,” we are on the path to fear and despair. Jesus is clear in telling us not to worry but to seek Him first in all things.
Matthew 6:31-34: “Therefore, do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat;’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek all these things; and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well.”
How to Overcome Fear
When the enemy sends his arrows attacking our faith with fear, consider the following:
1. Faith as a shield. Now more than ever, we need faith. We need to ask for it and expect it to happen. We must believe that God is protecting us against sickness and evil.
Ephesians 6:16: “Above all taking the shield of faith, with which you can quench all the flaming darts of the evil one.”
2. Hunger for God’s love. When we seek God, we seek to be the personification of His love. How much do we surrender and submit to His love? It is so critical that we seek more love because it is love that drives out all fear.
1 John 4:18: “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and he who fears is not perfected in love.”
3. Repentance. If we are consumed by anxiety and fear, we do not believe that God has our best interests at heart. When we don’t fear, we can better trust in Jesus.
Psalms 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?”
4. Trust in the Lord! I love the Divine Mercy chaplet phrase, “Jesus, I trust in you.” Trusting in the Lord changes our attitude and gives us faith.
Psalm 115:11: “You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord! He is their help and their shield.”
We have a choice to make, either trust in God for our health and future or live in fear and anxiety. It is critical that we put our worries at the foot of the Cross. Cry out to our Father, “Abba,” that we need more faith to trust that all will be well in our future.
5. Protection against attacks. Psychologists tell us that each day we make 2,000 choices. They are the decisions we make to bring us toward God or away from Him. The enemy wants us to doubt and fear. If you have doubt, don’t think you are alone. Nearly every saint had doubts regarding his or her faith and had dark moments. Perhaps you feel that way now. Fear is sapping your strength and damaging your faith. Resist it!
6. We need the gift of endurance now more than ever. It is critical that we ask the Lord for endurance. When we pray from our heart and believe that we will receive it, we will get it.
Hebrews 10:36: “For you need endurance, so that you may do the will of God and receive what is promised.”
7. Praise without ceasing! We are told this in Scripture that we are to pray without ceasing. I believe we are to praise without ceasing. When we do that our attitude changes from fear to faith.
Psalm 56:4-5: “When I am afraid, I put my trust in thee. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust without a fear. What can flesh do to me?”
God is With Us
God will defend you. Instead of being in fear, turn to Jesus in praise and thanksgiving. Ask for more faith. God will reward us!
One of the Seven Spirits of God is Fear of the Lord. This leads to Wisdom another of the Seven Spirits. If you fear that God has been offended by sin…that can lead to repentance and confession.
A humble and contrite heartfelt confession will lead to redemption and bring you closer to the Holy Tinity.