You can overcome fear. We all experience fear, which is a natural emotion. However, living in fear is not in anyone’s best interest because fear can be paralyzing and, if left unchecked, can hold us back from achieving our goals, nor can one think clearly and experience life to the fullest.
Thinking clearly is impossible when you’re overcome by fear or anxiety. Nobody who is a child of God is allowed to walk in fear. If you’re anxious, first go to your Heavenly Father in prayer, and He will fill your heart with a peace that is indescribable.
God called us to a life of victory so that we could boldly approach His throne of grace. We have faith that, in accordance with 1 John 5:14, He will answer if we call on Him or ask anything that is in accordance with His will.
The name of Jesus is a strong tower; the righteous run into it, and they are saved. When we call upon His name in the face of a challenge, that problem must give way because at the mention of His name, everything bows. Be confident and take authority against your fears in Jesus’ name.
Definition of fear
Fear can be defined as an emotion that is caused by the perception of danger and is characterized by feelings of anxiety, panic, and helplessness.
According to the Bible, fear brings torment. But those who are in Christ and walk in the love of God do not fear. The reason is that they have confidence in God to lead them all the way. Nothing else matters to them because God will not abandon them.
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. 1 John 4:18.
Causes of Fear
Fear is a natural emotion, but it doesn’t have to control us. Overcoming fear requires courage and strength. Before we consider how to overcome fear, let’s see what causes it.
Overcoming fear can be a difficult challenge, but it is possible with dedication and practice. Some of the common causes of fear are listed below.
1. Genetics
It is believed that genetic predisposition can play a role in certain types of fear, such as social phobias or a fear of heights. It plays a role in how one perceives and reacts to certain situations. Genetics is said to be inherited fear, or fear passed down through genetics.
If you happen to suffer from a genetically related fear, I bring you the good news that you don’t have to fear because God says so. Hear what God says:
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. Isaiah 41:10-13
Have it at the back of your mind that God cares for you. He won’t allow you to be overcome by your fear if you’re in Christ Jesus. However, it is important that you first resolve to not be afraid and trust that God is with you and that you are not alone.
2. Learned behaviour
Another reason some people are afraid is that it is a learned behaviour. They have learned to be afraid, either through their upbringing or through experiences that have taught them to be scared.
Some people learn to be afraid through families, friends, and/or cultures. Others were taught to be fearful by their parents and society as a whole.
Take a cue from Job in the Bible: at one point, he said the thing he feared the most had happened to him. You see, he was thinking “fear” before it manifested.
For the thing I greatly feared has come upon me, And what I dreaded has happened to me. Job 3:25
He had just learned to fear his fears when what he was afraid of happened to him. It’s no surprise that the Bible says to guard your heart with all diligence because it is the source of all life’s problems.
If you indulge in fearful thinking or negative thoughts, chances are that the things you worry about or think about will happen to you.
For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; But his heart is not with thee. Proverbs 23:7
So, as you can see, a person is what he believes in his heart. To avoid negative thoughts, one must learn to guard their hearts with all diligence. None of this is doable outside of Christ because the mind is under constant attack by the devil.
The devil injects the majority of the bad thoughts that come to the mind, especially for the carnal man who has yet to give his life to Christ.
God expects us to reject any negative thought or high thing that elevates itself above the name of our God. This can be done through prayer. Another way is through the presence of the Spirit of God in our hearts.
God’s Word can help you overcome fear.
If the Spirit of God is in you, He will call to mind the Word of God in you when the tempter (the devil) injects negativity in your heart. That is why God expects us to always meditate on the Word. If, however, you do not have the Word of God inside of you, what will the Spirit of God call to mind for you when you’re tempted?
Instead of indulging in negative or fearful thinking, fill your mind with the Word of God. Meditating on the Word of God and listening to Christian messages can help with your thought life.
3. Environment
Another reason for fear is the environment in which some people find themselves. If you’re in a place where people constantly speak of fear, soon you too will learn to fear.
The Bible teaches in 1 Corinthians 15:33 KJV: Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
No relationship ever leaves a person the way they entered it, unless God opens your eyes to see a bad relationship and helps you leave quickly.
If a person remains in a toxic environment or relationship, it will not be long before they begin to think about and discuss their own fears. The reason for this is simple: like begets like. What you hear and allow to settle in your heart is what you become.
Allow God to lead you to overcome the fear caused by association or environment. If God leads you, you will be able to discern things for yourself through the Spirit of God inside of you.
The Lord will open your eyes to see things and cause your mind to conceive thoughts that counter the deceptions of the enemy.
You will grow to a point where you just know things and walk away from an environment or an association that does not glorify God.
Strategies for Overcoming Fear
Fear can be a debilitating emotion that can prevent us from living a victorious life. It can cause us to become paralyzed and unable to take action. However, it is possible to overcome fear and live a life of victory. Here are some tips to help you do just that.
- Identify Your Fear: The first step in overcoming fear is to identify what you are afraid of. Take some time to think about what it is that is causing you to feel fear. Once you have identified the fear, you can begin to take steps to address it.
- Challenge Your Thoughts: Once you have identified the fear, it is important to challenge the thoughts that are causing it. Ask yourself if the fear is rational or irrational. If it is irrational, then it is important to challenge the thought and replace it with a more positive one.
- Take Action: Once you have identified and challenged the fear, it is important to take action. Taking action is the only way to overcome fear. It is important to take small steps and build up your confidence as you go.
- Seek Support: It is important to seek support from friends, family, or a professional if needed. Having someone to talk to can help you process your fear and take action.
- Practice Self-Care: Taking care of yourself is essential when it comes to overcoming fear. Make sure to get enough sleep, eat healthy, and exercise regularly. Taking care of yourself will help you stay focused and motivated.
Benefits of Overcoming Fear
When you are able to take action in spite of your fear, you can build your self-confidence and create a sense of accomplishment. Some benefits of overcoming fear are discussed below.
1. Increased confidence
Previously, we saw in the Bible that fear brings torment. However, those who know their God are not fearful but will rather wax strong in the Lord and do exploits.
We are confident that, because God lives, we can face tomorrow. The Word of the Lord teaches that for the living there is hope. This optimism instils confidence.
There is hope, however, for anyone who is among the living; for even a live dog is better than a dead lion. Ecclesiastes 9:4.
If you are in Christ, you have nothing to fear because the God who is in you is greater than the devil who is in the world. Jesus has overcome the world for us, so we have nothing to be afraid of but to be confident in His finished work.
According to our Lord Jesus Christ:
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33
We are confident in the fact that our Lord Jesus Christ has overcome the world for our sakes. So we have nothing to fear or worry about. Unless you are born again, this promise is not for you.
Through Jesus’ finished work on the cross and the presence of the Spirit of Christ in you, not only can you experience more joy and confidence in life, but you can also gain confidence in yourself and in your abilities.
2. Increased sense of well-being
When you take steps to face your fears, it can improve your self-confidence, strengthen your relationships, reduce stress and anxiety, and thus lead to an increased sense of well-being.
Rest upon the promises of God that He will never leave you comfortless or forsake you. God is more interested in your wellbeing than you can ever know. He says,
"Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth." 3 John 1:2
Fear erodes self-confidence and weakens the body over time. If you trust in the promises of God like the one above in 3 John, you will have an increased sense of well-being. Your health will spring forth.
Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward. Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. Isaiah 58:8-12
Please learn to trust in the Lord and lean on His promises, and you will have what it says. In addition, know that God’s timing may not be the same as yours. So learn to wait on the Lord.
Anything you do not have now is not right for you. At the right time, the Lord will give it to you. Such thoughts dispel fear and anxiety. You must be patient in order to overcome your fear.
3. Improved quality of life
When you take steps to face your fears, it can improve your self-confidence, strengthen your relationship, and reduce stress and anxiety. The Bible teaches that we should cast our cares upon the Lord because He cares for us. And in another place, it says, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” Nobody.
It is key that you know these things and do them. That way, you will improve the quality of your life. Hear what Jesus asked His followers one day:
Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? Matthew 6:27
So if you cannot add a cubit to your stature, why are you worrying? Worry causes stress and anxiety, which ultimately reduces the quality of the life of the worrier. Rather, learn to trust God. Take him at his word, and He will show up for you at the right time.
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7
Decide to overcome your fears by learning to follow Christ’s example in everything you do.
Reports have it that the phrase “fear not” is used 365 days a year in the Bible. You can verify this with a simple Google search.
It then means that God is telling us every day not to be afraid, knowing full well that temptation, fear, or anxiety must come. However, God has provided an escape route through the temptation, which is why He says not to be afraid.
God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it (1 Corinthians 10:13).
The believer’s quality of life will undoubtedly improve if they choose not to be afraid and put their faith in God to deliver them.
Overcome Fear Through Prayer and Fasting
If something is making you fearful and you’ve prayed about it, but it seems like your fear won’t go away so that you can have faith in God, consider engaging the power of fasting and prayer.
Jesus said that there are some things that can only be removed by prayer and fasting. If this describes you, I think this will be the most helpful to you. Matthew 17:18-21.
Conclusion
By following these tips, you can begin to take steps to overcome fear and live a victorious life. Remember, it is important to take small steps and build up your confidence as you go. With patience and perseverance, you can overcome fear and live a life of victory.
