Overcoming Fear

Psychologists tell us that we are born with two fears, the fear of falling and the fear of noise; but we soon develop many more. A professor of a psychology class asked the 500 people present, “What are you afraid of?” Those 500 people listed 7,000 fears! Most people are riddled with fear. However, for Christians it need not be that way, for Christ came to deliver us from ALL our fears.

The Bible speaks of two kinds of fear:

There is a fear that is commanded - this kind of fear involves respect, honour, reverence, and a sense of awe. The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). Hence, we are to fear God (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; Acts 9:31; Hebrews 11:7). This reverential kind of fear leads to; holiness (2 Corinthians 7:1); working out our salvation (Philippians 2:12); and evangelism (2 Corinthians 5:11).

There is a fear that is forbidden - this is the fear that’s synonymous with dread, alarm, fright, terror, apprehension, anxiety, perplexity and distrust. It’s a fear that is prohibited in God's word (Psalm 91:5; Luke 12:32). But remember, this type of fear is not to be confused with “common sense caution”. Without caution you would probably put yourself at risk every day. For example, fear of being run over will cause one to look both ways before crossing the street. Also, fear of a certain disease will cause you to take the vaccine. So these types of fears are normal and beneficial.

There are specific areas where fear operates:

1.   People fear failure

Fear of failure caused the man with one talent to do nothing (Matthew 25:25). The Lord has promised us inevitable and assured success in all the things that are really important to us (1 Corinthians 15:58). Therefore, it is our duty to do the best we can and leave the results in the hands of God. People fear the unknown – the future. This fear has kept many believers from fulfilling their destiny, and may Christian congregations from growing, expanding, building facilities, adding missionaries, and otherwise doing more work for Christ. We need to realise that it is vision and excitement that keeps people and congregations active, vibrant and growing.

2.   People fear responsibility

Because he fear failure, this the one talent man did not assume his responsibility. So one fear had led to the next (Matthew 25:25). Because of fear Israel shirked their responsibility in conquering the land (Deuteronomy 1:22-46). Fear will also keep you from your responsibility of being a fisher of men (Luke 5:10).

3.   People fear old age

Yet, the Bible teaches that honour and glory are attached to old age (Leviticus 19:32; Proverbs 16:31). Some of the greatest accomplishments in life have been accomplished by the elderly – Webster wrote his dictionary at age 70; Moses was 80 when he lead Israel out of bondage.

4.   People fear insecurity

This insecurity is mostly centred around ‘provision’ or, possible lack of it! Jesus went to great lengths in order to teach anyone who was prepared to listen that they should not have such fears (Matthew 6:24-34). God has always provided for his own, and will continue to do so (Proverbs 37:25, Philippians 4:19).

5.   People fear what other people may say and think about them, or do to them

This type of fear often causes you to do wrong - to be in error. Here are two examples; because of fear Peter denied the Lord (Matthew 26:69-75), and fear caused Peter to be guilty of hypocrisy (Galatians 2:11-14). Note, fear of people will keep you from taking a stand for truth.

6.   People fear death

Many are actually slaves to the fear of death (Hebrews 2:15). But the fear of death can be removed when we realise:

(a) that it is inevitable (Hebrews 9:27);

(b) that it is the gateway to bliss and association with Jesus (Philippians 1:21-23);

(c) that Jesus will be there to take us by the hand (Psalm 23:4).

Fear has many tragic affects - they include:

1. Fear makes life a bad experience and warps the personality in negativity. It is a dark room where negatives are developed.

2. Fear will prevent you from doing the will of God and often from hearing God’s voice. Do you disobey God for fear of the wrong outcome?

3. Fear renders one useless in battle. There is no place in the kingdom of God for the fearful because we are in an important battle against evil forces, and we need people of courage.

4. Fear brings on the very thing we fear. Peter’s fear of sinking brought on his sinking. Fear of disease often brings on the very illness you fear. Research has shown that 85% of the emotional and physical illnesses are brought on by fear.

5. Fear will cause a person to loose direction. You cannot steer your ship or stay on course if fear is your rudder. If Jesus is at the helm there is no room for fear.

How do you deal with fear?

1. Remember that fear is strictly prohibited. In fact, fear is a characteristic of the wicked (Proverbs 28:1). Jesus said it is sin. “Fear not” and “be not afraid” appear in the Bible 180 times.

2. Enthrone Christ and not fear. Ask yourself who is on the throne in your heart? Who is Lord of your Life?

3. Put your faith and trust in God. Faith is the enemy of fear. Fear cannot stand when faith is around. But it is your choice – it is either faith of fear (Isaiah 26:3).

4. Adopt a lifestyle of worship. Praise brings about the presence of God, and where God abides there is no fear. Never lose sight of the fact that you are in the presence of God and that His help is near.

5. Never take counsel from your fears. Listening to your fears only exasperates them. Obeying your fears only empowers them. A general who was apprehensive of an attack that was being planned expressed his fears to Stonewall Jackson. This is what he was told by the courageous leader, “General, never take the counsel of your fears.”

6. Pray. Remember always that you should not wait for fear to leave before you pray, but rather to pray in order that peace may be established. For God is always at hand to establish His peace – which is the most effective antidote for fear. I love what the psalmist said in Psalm 34:4, “I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.”

Finally, here are some practical things you can do in order to alleviate the stress that comes with living in fear:

• Get a good night’s sleep. Humans generally need 8 or 9 hours of sleep per day. Sleep deprivation can increase anxiety. So get enough rest. If you cannot sleep, you may need to seek God's help. He promises His beloved rest.

• Become more realistic. Often, we are worried and fearful about events that will probably never happen to us. So relax – chill out! Focus on today. Take life one day at a time.

• Listen to soothing music. There is some great Christian music available that can help you focus on God and leave your fears and worries behind.

• Have fun. Whenever possible, do something that you enjoy. It is good to get some recreation on a regular basis. Take a break. Get your mind off your fears and worries, and have some fun!

• Talk to someone you trust. Don’t hold all your fears and anxiety inside. It can be a big relief to share your things with someone you trust — a friend or relative. If fear is an ongoing problem in your life, schedule a regular time each week to talk with that person. But remember no to “dump” on them.

• Take action. If there is something you can do to alleviate the problem or avoid needless distress, take action. Don’t put it off. Procrastination will generally raise your anxiety level. However, if you can’t do anything about it, give it to God.

• Exercise. Medical studies show that exercise can help lower anxiety and alleviate fear. If you are healthy enough to exercise, try it. Regular brisk walks, running, swimming or other forms of exercise can be a real stress-buster.

2 Thessalonians 2:16-1, “May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.”

Chris Demetriou, 15/08/2010