Fear — “A distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined; the feeling or condition of being afraid” (dictionary.com).
God has called us to faith not fear. This fallen world gives us plenty of opportunities to be afraid, but God has given us many more reasons to stand in faith. Regardless of your circumstances, you can focus on the promises of God and walk in victory!
There is a healthy fear we all carry that keeps us safe. For example, the anticipation of pain keeps us from sticking our hand on a hot stove. Another type is the fear of the Lord. However, that word simply means “reverence” or “awe”. In fact, 1 John 4:18 clarifies how the New Testament believer should view fear: “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.”
When you receive a true revelation of how much God really loves you, there is absolutely nothing that can cause you to be afraid!
Is Fear Fun?
Many people expose themselves to scary things for entertainment. Attractions at fairs or amusement parks that strive to cause fear are very popular. Scary movies make millions at the box office. Television shows in the horror genre have become increasingly trendy. However, when you approach the topic from a biblical perspective, it is obviously a negative emotion. Just one small example is found in Deuteronomy 28, where the Lord explains the curses and the blessings of the Law. In verses seven and ten, He tells us that part of the blessing is that our enemies will flee from us seven ways and all the peoples of the earth shall be afraid of us. Then in verse sixty-six, the curse is described, “Your life shall hang in doubt before you; you shall fear day and night, and have no assurance of life.”
God wants you to live in peace and safety!
If fear or anxiety have been plaguing you, one of the first things you should ask yourself is, “Have I used fear to entertain me?” When you open up your soul to things that encourage fear and anxiety, you are giving fear permission to attack you in other areas of your life. Watching a horror movie may not translate into fear of a serial killer targeting your family (although it could), but it can open a door for fear to torment you in other areas like your health or finances.
Your Eye is a Gateway
“The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!” – Matthew 6:22-23
Your eyes are a superhighway leading directly to your soul. What you see influences your soul, and the Bible only gives two categories: light and darkness. If you struggle with fear or anxiety, it is vital that you close your eyes to that darkness. It can and will influence your soul—your mind, will and emotions—to the point that it affects every area of your life. Instead, focus your eyes on things that bring light into your soul! Redirect your thoughts on things that bring you peace, not fear.
Superstition
Superstition — “A widely held but irrational belief in supernatural influences, especially as leading to good or bad luck, or a practice based on such a belief”(lexico.com).
“But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness.” – 1 Timothy 4:7
Black cats, ladders, broken mirrors, spilled salt, Friday the 13th, knocking on wood: the list of superstitious beliefs that have brought fear to people’s hearts could go on and on! Even the number 666 causes fear in the hearts of believers! (Prophetic forecast here: WE WIN! There is no need to give any power to those three numbers.) Christians holding on to superstitious beliefs enter into bondage to fear. Superstition limits the power of the Gospel!
“Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.” – Romans 1:21 KJV
When you entertain fearful vain imaginations, you have subconsciously declared that God is not God!
Did God not say that by His stripes you were healed? Does the Word of God not promise you that no evil will befall you, nor any plague come near your dwelling? (Psalm 91:10). Doesn’t God promise in His Word that He will take care of all of your material needs? (Philippians 4:19). When you give way to fear, you are saying, “It must not be true that God will give His angels charge over me, to keep me in all of my ways.” (Psalm 91:11).
So, what is the truth: fear or the Word of God? Is God truly God, or is He not? Do you believe His Word? Isn’t God faithful to fulfill all of His promises to you? Do you have a revelation of His love for you? Fear is an indication that your soul needs regular feedings on the promises of God found in the Word of God. Psalm 91 is a great place to start, but there are so many more passages of scripture that will feed your faith rather than your fear.
Fearless Book!
Regardless of your circumstances, you can break the cycle of fear and live in freedom and boldness!
It is time for you to abandon a life of worry, anxiety and fear and launch into a life of faith, boldness and power. Don’t tolerate fear: live the life you were made for!