WHAT IS FEAR?
Fear is as ancient as sin. The first time man became afraid was after he had disobeyed God. Before this, Adam never knew what it was like to be afraid. After he sinned, however, his first reaction was fear and this made him hide from God. (Genesis 3:10). Since that time, fear became part of man’s life. Throughout the Scriptures, we read about men and women who allowed fear to lead them to do the wrong things. We also read about people like Joshua who had to confront their fears to do what God wanted them to do.
Since man allowed sin and by default, its ungodly companions of fear, guilt and shame, God has had to reassure man over and again about the need not to be afraid. According to Theologians, this reassurance was given 365 times in the Bible. God is love, Perfect love, and only perfect love can drive out fear. (1 John 4:18). Fear is a tormenting spirit that cripples the soul and keeps it from launching out. Time and again, God had to tell men not to be afraid because He didn’t want them to live a life of limitations. In the New Testament, the instruction to ‘fear not’ was given repeatedly because God wants us to live abundantly; and abundant life cannot be fully expressed where fear is present.
THE TWO SIDES OF FEAR
It is important to note that fear has two sides. While God wants us to have a healthy reverence for Him and all that pertains to Him, He doesn’t want us to be scared, afraid and terrified. After Jesus rose from the dead and appeared to His disciples, they were terrified because they thought they had just seen a ghost. One of his first words to them was BE NOT AFRAID. (Matthew 28:10). He first banished fear and reassured them that He had indeed risen from the dead. Nothing good comes out of a fearful atmosphere and God doesn’t want us to live in fear. As stated earlier, fear came as a result of sin, and therefore, it is not from God. Paul, in his letter to his protégée, Timothy, stated that God has not given us the spirit of fear. (2 Timothy 1:7). He, then, went on to state what God has given us: Power, love and a sound mind. It is, therefore, foolish to exchange what God has given us for what he has not given us.
Haven stated this, it is also important to establish that without God, a man cannot truly overcome fear. A man without Christ can appear to be bold and brave, but he is still a slave to fear. Often, the brashest of men are the most fearful. They only cover up their fears with loud noises and actions. Only in the light of God’s presence can the shackles of fear be completely broken.
HOW TO DEFEAT FEAR
Since fear is an invisible enemy, using physical weapons against him will only be a waste of time. Never forget that beyond the negative emotions, fear is a spirit; and spirits only respond to spirits. Therefore, to overcome fear, we need a more powerful spirit. Jesus, in one of his teachings, stated that no man can enter into a strong man’s house and spoil his goods except he first binds the strong man. (Matthew 12:29). Fear is a strong man and no man can bind him except he has someone more powerful with him. Taking these steps will help you to defeat fear.
- Give your life to Jesus: If you haven’t surrendered your life to Jesus, this is the first thing to do in your fight against fear. Jesus alone has the keys to hell and He alone can give you the key to overcome fear. To surrender your life to Jesus, say this prayer.
- Discover the keys to overcoming fear: It is not enough to be a regular churchgoer. God wants to have a personal relationship with you and this can only happen when you fellowship with Him. Below are some of the keys that defeat fear.
- The Word of God: You can fellowship with God as you read your Bible. As you search the Scriptures, you will discover the key of faith which is one of the most potent keys in our fight against fear. Faith comes as we hear God’s word and fear cannot coexist with faith. (Romans 10:17). As you read God’s word and believe what He has said, you rise above fear. Confessing God’s word aloud also helps you banish fearful thoughts. Regardless of the situation you face, God’s word is powerful and active against fear. Have you just gotten a fearful doctor’s report? Have you just heard an evil report about someone/something so dear to you? Take up the shield of faith as you read, confess and meditate on God’s word and quench those fiery darts! (Ephesians 6:16).
- Prayer: When we pray, we strengthen our spirit man to rise above fear. Prayer is a potent ammunition against the spirit of fear. Don’t forget that it takes a greater spirit to defeat a lesser one. When we pray, we engage the Spirit of the Lord to fight our battles. As we pray, we enthrone God’s voice above the voice of fear in every area of our lives.
- The Presence of the Lord: God’s presence is our surest guarantee against fear. When the Lord is with us, fear cannot stay. Every form of darkness and fear trembles and disappears in His presence. When we read God’s word and pray, we make way for God’s presence. Even though God is always with us as believers, we cannot fully enjoy His presence when we do the things that repel Him. Sin attracts fear and repels God. To continually host God’s presence, we must, therefore, run away from anything that He hates.
- God’s Love: God’s love is perfect and His love casts out fear. Knowing and understanding that God loves you empowers you to live a courageous life. God wants you to know that He loves you just the way He loves Jesus. He wants you to understand that His love for you can never fail. (John 17:23, 1 Corinthians 13:8). Knowing God’s love is the key to rest. Fear’s aim is to make man restless and uncertain about life. God’s love, however, assures us that all things work together for our good regardless of what we face. When we know that we are infinitely loved, we find it easier to rest in the good plans that God has for us.
CONCLUSION
Fear is like a toothless bulldog that loves to vaunt himself against the ignorant. Jesus defeated him on the cross and made a public show of him. As believers, we have been given the keys to unlock every prison of fear. Jesus has empowered us to live above fear because He has given us abundant life. You were made to thrive and soar above the limitations of fear. Embrace the fearless life God has given you and live!
WORDS OF FAITH
I am a child of God. Therefore, I do not live in fear. I am bold, courageous and audacious. I speak God’s realities in every situation I face. I do not echo the whispers and suggestions of fear. I live triumphantly because I am more than a conqueror through Christ that loved me. Fear has no hold over my spirit, soul and body, therefore, I enjoy all-round victories. Thank You Jesus for life everlasting. Hallelujah!
ACTION POINTS
- There are 365 places in the Bible where God tells us not to fear. Search the Scriptures and write out twenty of them.
- Get sticky notes or cardboard papers, write out these verses and paste them where you can read them aloud every day.
- Boldly proclaim your reality in Christ Jesus.
Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner in dire need of a Saviour. I confess my sins today and ask that You come into my heart. Come and be my Lord and Saviour and purge me with Your blood. Fill me with Your Precious Holy Spirit and help me live for You only. Thank You for making me Yours now and always in Jesus’ name.