Fear – we’ve all experienced it. Perhaps the enemy has you convinced that you will never be delivered. Maybe you have already resigned to living in anxiety. Well, Jesus said He came to set the captives free! That includes you and me and anything we are captive to — including fear.
Stay close to God. The more we understand who God is, the less fear we will have. Does this mean that we won’t ever struggle with temptations to fret or that worry will never invade our thought life? No, but as we spend more time with God, better comprehend and experience His love, power and strength, the more we will rely upon Him.
Good News! Freedom is available through the victory Christ won at Calvary and the resurrection. Whether we live free from fear, or to the degree that we do, is really up to us. Through prayer and study of God’s Word, you will understand what Christ has made available for you. You can be free.
Luke 4:18-19 – “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” KJV
The Bible instructs us to pull down strongholds in our mind that attempt to offset truth.
2 Corinthians 10:4-5 – “(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ…” KJV
What strategy should we use when resisting fear? Let’s follow Jesus’ example when He was tempted by the devil. How did He do it? Jesus spoke God’s Word!
Saturate your mind with God’s Word. Whenever fiery darts of tormenting fear hit you, be prepared to resist with the Word hidden in your heart. You will be equipped to fight the good fight of faith by using the truth to ward off fear. The Word works and is powerful.
Trusting in God replaces fear. So here we go with some fear-fighting verses that will help you gain victory in your thought realm:
Psalm 56:11 – “in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?
Psalm 46:1 – “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear…” NIV
Hebrews 13:5-6 – God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you!”
Psalms 118:6-7 — “The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”
God is your helper and with His assistance you don’t have to fear. These are not mere words to placate you, but reality. When you cry out to God, He promises to help.
The Bible states that Christians are not to be enslaved by fear. However, one of the greatest fears common to humanity is fear of death. Face the fear of death with strength and assurance knowing that should you die you will immediately be in the Lord’s presence. Should the Lord tarry, we will all die. Death is the door that escorts you into eternal life with God. Isn’t that our ultimate goal — to live forever with our Lord?
Romans 8:15 – “You did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”
The scripture says the enemy is the one who comes to steal, kill and destroy. The devil wants to steal your peace and destroy any hope of ever being free from fear. Don’t believe that lie!
John 10:10 – “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. KJV
Jesus said He came to give us life and not just life, (existing) but abundant life! Living without fear is definitely a major part of abundant living. Fear paralyzes, but faith in the finished work of the cross empowers and enables you to enter into God’s peace.
God’s love is greater than any fear. His love is so powerful it drives out fear. And what does God’s love include? It includes Father God sending His Son to the earth, being sacrificed for our sins and Christ winning the battle against the devil. His love includes all of these benefits. His love is not a “squishy or warm fuzzy feeling.” God’s love is powerful, changes lives, overcomes sin and repels fear!
I John 4:18 – “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The man who fears is not made perfect in love.”
Make a commitment to live a fear-free life. We are called to be bold and courageous! Also, please remember to pray for our Christian brothers and sisters who are being persecuted for following Christ.
Proverbs 28:1 – “…the righteous are bold as a lion.” KJV
Receive God’s love for you personally. Invite Him into the most intimate places in your heart and life. Earnestly seek the Lord and allow His Spirit to minister healing and deliverance from fearful thoughts. Maintain your joy for Christ which strengthens you. God’s love and His Word will heal your wounds, restore your mind, change your perception and thoughts, and deliver you from fear!
So now it’s your turn to respond. WHAT WILL YOUR ANSWER BE?
