Fear is a common adversary in our lives, and I have walked in its shadow for much of mine. Fear, especially the fear of man or people-pleasing, can paralyze us, affecting our physical and emotional health. But I’ve learned that fear can be overcome by standing on the power of God and the Truth Jesus offers us.
Understanding and Confronting Fear
Fear often starts small – a little anxiety, a worry. But left unchecked, it grows, paralyzing us, stalling our progress. This was my reality. Fear took such a hold that it began to affect my health, with my adrenal and nervous systems reacting physically to the constant state of anxiety. I didn’t know what to do!
The Journey Through Fear
As I reflect, I can see my journey through fear began with trying to please people. This tendency, coupled with a constant state of anxiety, led to a paralyzing fear. A fear that made me question every action and word, worrying about letting others down and disqualifying myself from God’s plan.
The Wall of Fear
The enemy uses fear effectively against God’s people. It’s a trap that makes us feel shackled, anxious, and fearful. He has been using this tactic since the beginning, as seen with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. It’s just as effective today — but that can change with just one word of Truth from our loving Savior, Jesus.
Defeating Fear with Truth
One way for us to defeat fear is by recognizing it for what it is – a lie, a tactic of the enemy to keep us from God’s best for us. The enemy’s strategy is to make us question our identity and worth, to demoralize us from within–just as he did with God’s entire army in the book of 1 Samuel.
David’s Example: Facing Goliath
The story of David and Goliath is a perfect illustration of facing and overcoming fear. David, unlike the Israelite army, wasn’t paralyzed by Goliath’s threats. Instead, he saw Goliath’s defiance as an opportunity to stand firm in who God said he was – a champion. David knew who he was in God’s sight because of his deep, meaningful relationship with God.
. . .the Lord hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the Lord hath commanded him to be captain over his people. . . – 1 Samuel 13:14
Embracing Our Identity in God
The key to overcoming fear is to embrace our identity as God’s children. David’s victory over Goliath wasn’t just his triumph; it was a victory for the entire Israelite army. It awakened them to their identity as the powerful army of the Lord.
David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LordAlmighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. – 1 Samuel 17:45
Believe What God Says About You
Remember, God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). Declare over yourself: “I am not afraid. I am bold and courageous.”
Prayer
“Father, increase my boldness, courage, and faith. As I take steps forward, breathe on me a fresh wind of hope. I am not afraid anymore, in Jesus’ mighty name.”
In our journey, let’s break free from the shackles of fear, remembering that God is with us, empowering us to be bold and courageous.
In His Service,
.
Check out last week’s blog, “Say Goodbye to Comparison – Embrace Your Unique Calling HERE
