There are many people who have the ability to overcome their fears and not let them dominate their life and then, there are others.
Often times telling someone not to be fearful can be like telling the sun not to shine, as fear and greed are the two human emotions that drive most of our irrational thoughts and actions.
We will discuss greed in a later lesson and focus on fear today.
Franklin Roosevelt said “The only thing we have to fear, is fear itself.”
I believe he was on to something.
Think about the following questions for a few minutes and be honest with yourself in the assessment;
- What is your greatest fear?
- Do you deal with and conquer your fears?
- Do your fears overwhelm and control you?
Then think about some of the fears that many might have;
- About 25% of Americans fear public speaking.
- About 20% of Americans fear death.
- There is the fear of success.
- There is the fear of failure.
- Fear of losing one’s job
- Fear of being homeless
- Fear of everything
What does the Bible teach us about dealing with our fears? Here are a few verses to study and bookmark;
2 Timothy 1:7
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Isaiah 41:10
Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
1 John 4:18
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
Psalms 27:1
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalms 56:3-4
What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.
There are risks and dangers we all face every day and we are able to put them out of our mind and function as we should. Every time we get in our car, we place our life at the mercy of other drivers. Yet we don’t give it a thought. Then there are debilitating fears that can disrupt our lives. Fear is a normal part of life; debilitating fear is not.
Absent some form of mental or physical disorder, fear is generally a downward spiraling path that our mind embarks upon and one that can be conquered with God's help.
Whatever is causing the fear that is overwhelming you, should be taken directly to God through prayer. Pray that God will shroud you in His Spirit of comfort, peace and contentment. Pray for additional strength through the Holy Spirit to help you deal with your fear. Pray that your faith and trust will be strengthened.
We cannot always overcome our fears on our own, but God can and He will help us.
Psalms 34:4
I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
Just as God helped David and Joshua confront and defeat their fears, He will do the same for you.
He is just a prayer away.
RVH