Do not fear. God does not want youto live in fear. We need to fear God but apart from this God does not you to fear anything. Satan wants you not to fear God and he wants you to live in continuous fear of the world, situation, circumstances, etc.
Present days there are many terrifying events happening around the world, which may bring fear. Also the devil is a liar. He always tries to plant lies in your heart and mind, so that you live in fear and obey him. Satan wants to keep you in bondage so that he can control your life and you stay away from God.
In spite of all this, God’s children are called to fear God only and live in freedom. If you are child of God you can live in freedom from fear. The Lord has given you protection from all fear and given you a life of freedom.
Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:14 Do not be afraid, you worm Jacob, little Israel, do not fear, for I myself will help you,” declares the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.
Fear is an indication that we are away from God. Fear changes our mind. Fear is a sin. Adam was frightened of his sin to be revealed in the eyes of the lord.
II. What is fear?
A. Dictionary meaning says- an unpleasant emotion caused by the threat of danger, pain, or harm.
Fear is an uneasy emotion—like an alarm, warning that something bad is going to happen. It could be caused by an incident, a threat, an information, or understanding or feeling in a certain situation.
B. The Bible speaks about the fear of the Lord, it is a good fear—one created by a healthy reverence for a holy, righteous God. Any fear other than this is ungodly.
C. Fear is an emotion given by God. Fear itself is not bad. It warns you to stay away from wrong. But when you are continually living in fear, then it becomes a problem.
III. Why are we afraid?
A. Fearful incidences: We are frightened when some incidents happen. We do not know how to react to these and we get frighten.
B. Believing in lie: you are a product of what you believe. When you believe in the lie, the lie will produce fear, insecurity, shame, guilt etc.
C. wrong understandings: You might have understood things in a wrong way or you are taught wrong way to believe in a lie. The lie may produce fear and keep you in bondage.Like childhood lessons, parents’ attempts to protect and train us, our parents may have ingrained fears in us.
D. Wrong Thoughts: Wrong thought are the products of the lie you believe. The lie creates wrong thoughts which bring fear. Sometimes, the nervous system cannot distinguish between a real or imagined danger.
E. Sin: Fear is a consequence of disobeying the Lord. It is good because it reminds us we’ll give an account of our lives to Him one day.
F. Doubt: When we are doubtful of the truth, then fear may come. When we doubt God then fear can come. The Lord is our source of security. When we doubt His love, fear replaces trust and peace.
F. Poor Self-Image: All people need to feel accepted and valued by others. Without this, the fear of rejection takes its place.
G. Unattainable Standards: Sometimes we aim too high and become anxious when it we miss our goals.
H. Wrong View of God: If we primarily view the Lord as our Judge, we’ll be afraid and misunderstand the vastness of His love.
IV. What are the consequences of fear?
Passing moments of fear are natural. But when you allow it to rule you, there are consequences. For example, fear:
A. Divides your mind. You can’t concentrate if apprehensions are constantly distracting you.
B. Wrong decisions. Fear/Anxieties cloud your mind and keep you from behaving as they way you should. It can cause indecision.Fear can paralyze you when you need to make choices.
C. Undermines self-confidence. God has given every person skills and talents, but fear causes you to doubt you can accomplish His work.
D. Results in panic. If you lose the ability to manage your fears, they control you.
E. Enslaves you in uncertainty. Whenever long-term situations like health or financial worries have uncertain outcomes, you can be consumed with worry about the future.
F. Destroys relationships. Those who have experienced difficulties in past relationships may find the fear of repeating those mistakes keeps them from forming new ones.
G. Steals joy and peace. Think of your life as a machine and joy and peace as the oil that keeps it running. Fear is like sand that grinds away at the gears and erodes your happiness.
H. Blocks spiritual growth. You’ll never be able to become the person God wants you to be if you’re afraid to step out in obedience.
I. Affects health. Prolonged fearful anxiety is linked to many physical disorders.
IT STEALS JOY, PEACE & HOPE. FEAR AFFECTS EVERY AREA OF YOUR LIFE.
As long as fear dominates you will not be the person that God wants you to be.
V. Many emotions are linked with fear.
Many of the negative emotions we experience in life are rooted in fear. For example:
A. Greed is fear of not having enough.
B. Rejection is concern about not being accepted.
C. Guilt is apprehension that our wrongs might be discovered.
D. Discouragement is a fear of failure caused by a lack of confidence.
E. Anger is caused by a fear that we may not get our way.
F. Jealousy is the fear of losing control of what we desire.
G. Indecision is caused when we worry about making a wrong choice.
FEAR OF GOD:
Proverb 1:7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
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.
If God has not given you the fear the where do they come from?
How to overcome our fear?
a. Identify it: First of all you have to identify fear in your life.
Identify the source of the fear
Identify the lie related to the
Identification of Fears
i. Is the root of my fear based in unbelief (lie) or lack of faith to trust God?
ii. Where did it come in? (Generational, occult involvement, trauma)
iii. Ask God to link the memory to the emotion.
When we believe in a lie continuously, it can bring fear in you. Continuously fearing something means worshipping it. When you continuously worship a lie it can create a stronghold in your mind.
b. Change your focus. When your attention is fixed on your fears, they only get worse. The only way to reverse this negative process is to shift your focus to the most powerful weapon you have—the Word of God.
c. Repent for it.
d. Receive deliverance(if necessary) from fear and unbelief.
e. Renew your mind.
f. Lordship of Jesus over every area of our lives.
g. Receive Love and peace of God
I john 4:18 there is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
h. Walk in the spirit always.
Cast out your fear from you. Do not worry for your life. If you are frighten you are in enemies’ hand.
Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
If you are always fearful it means you pray very less.
Conclusion:
What are you going to do with your fears? You can either keep them or suffer the negative consequences, or you can trust the Lord and place them in His loving hands. Speak and believe God’s word. You need to cast out all fears from your mind. You may come across fearful situations, then trust God and believe in His words. Although God doesn’t say in Isaiah 41:10 that He will remove you from fearful circumstances, He promises to strengthen and sustain you through them.
