3 Godly Ways To Overcome Fear

Fear.

If you’re anything like me, you’ve listened to all the songs about fear, you’ve read a few books (or maybe just the summaries), you’ve heard all the motivational speeches, yet you still find yourself in moments where all you feel is fear. It’s okay. You’re not alone. We all feel it. There’s a whole entertainment genre dedicated to it. The problem is when it begins to define you. Once it stops you from reaching your goals, achieving your full potential, or becoming everything God has called you to be, that is when fear has overstayed its welcome.

1. Change Your Focus
   Part of the reason we succumb to fear is because we are focused on it. We zero in on it. We complain about it. We talk about it to other people. We worry about it. We overthink it. And little by little it consumes parts of our day, our week, and our life. It robs us of our confidence, it kills our happiness, and it destroys our peace. But that’s what it was made to do. 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. This tells me that not only is fear a spirit, but it was never given to us by God. So where did it come from? The devil. The same thief that comes only to steal, kill, and destroy. But James 4:7 reassures us that if we resist the devil, he will flee. So how do I fight fear? I resist it. I change my focus. I know it does not come from God, so I focus on what does. I focus on God’s goodness. I focus on His love. I focus on the fact that if He would leave the 99 to find me, then He obviously loves me enough to protect me. And, of course, the story of Peter and Jesus walking on the water is a perfect example of what can happen when you take your eyes off God and focus on fear. Yes, there is always going to be a “reason” to fear. Peter was walking out of a perfectly good boat into the middle of the ocean – who wouldn’t be afraid. But we have to remember that if we keep our focus on God, He will cause us to do the impossible.
2. Stand On The Word
   I’ve got good news and bad news. The bad news is that the devil is out to destroy you. That’s been his #1 agenda from the beginning of time and I don’t see it changing any time soon. The good news is that we have the victory over him. How do I know? The Bible. Over and over again, God gives us authority over our enemy, victory in our situation, and triumph over fear. But every victory in history has come after a battle. And if you’ve been battling fear, it can be quite daunting at times to fight a battle no one can see. Luckily the Bible gives us a guide on the armor we should use in these spiritual battles (because fear is a spirit, after all). Ephesians 6:10-19 describes the whole spiritual armor of God, and mentions the “sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” as part of your armor. God is telling us that our “sword” in this battle is our Bible. Our direct source to the word of God. And it actually works. Even Jesus used it as His sword in a battle against the devil. Matthew 4:1-11 describes to us Jesus as He’s in the wilderness following a 40 day/40 night fast. The devil is tempting Him, but Jesus answers back with the word of God every time. Eventually, the devil gives up and goes away (or flees, wink wink). The word of God works. It is tried and true. So in those moments when you feel fear is attacking you, place your focus on God, and meditate on a few scriptures. Here are a few scriptures for you to keep in your arsenal: Isaiah 41:10 John 14:27 2 Timothy 1:7 1 John 4:18 Isaiah 43:1 Psalm 27:1 Psalm 23:4
3. Pray
   Pray. When fear comes around, you can always pray. I know it won’t always be easy. I know there will be some moments where it seems like everything is crashing in on you. I know there will be some days when you’re so afraid, you don’t want to move. On those days (you know, the ones where you feel like you can’t save yourself) – pray. Prayer is how you communicate with God. It’s how you speak with Him. Think of a child. Children can be quite brave at times (whether that’s due to confidence, ignorance, or rebelliousness, I’m not sure), but they are pretty brave – until they’re not. Picture a little kid, running, playing, laughing, and all of a sudden, something comes along that frightens them. What do they do? They call for help. Whether it be from mommy or daddy or someone nearby, they call for help, because they have assessed the situation and don’t think they can handle it on their own. That is the same way I approach certain situations in life. Sometimes, you need daddy to come and make you feel safe. Sometimes that reinforcement gives you your confidence back. And when I need my heavenly father to step in and remind the enemy who’s boss, I pray. It doesn’t have to be wordy or complicated. Praying for an extended period of time just for the sake of it will not impress God – trust me (Matthew 6:7). He just wants you, as vulnerable as you are, to come to Him and seek Him with the confidence that He is bigger and greater than whatever you are facing. Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us not to be anxious about anything, but in every situation to bring our requests to God through prayer, petition, and thanksgiving. Communicate with God. He never intended for you to fight this battle alone. He loves to show up for you, so let Him.