Fear is Not A Friend

“For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.” Isaiah 41:13

When we come across the word ‘Fear’, we would first think it’s a situation where one is physically trembling or outwardly displaying traits of fear. In the world we live today, fear comes in many forms and to different kinds of people irrespective of who they are or what they believe in. One question we should clearly ask ourselves is, “do we recognize fear when we experience it? Do we actually admit we are afraid? And how do we deal with?”

“The lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1

Many of us can easily admit when we are afraid and deal with the source of our fear, while others cannot. Most people have masked the fear in them by adapting to changes in their lives or fitting in among family, friends, jobs, organizations etc. An alarming reasoning is when individuals think that age, position or belief is a criterion for not experiencing fear. What we should be more confident about, is how we deal with fear or anxiety when it comes our way.

“I learned that COURAGE was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear”. Nelson Mandela

Anyone can be afraid, even children of God. A lot of Christians believe that fear and anxiety shouldn’t be heard of from a child of God. Yes, we need to take steps based on the word of God to push this away, but do not look down on those that admit they are filled with fear, anxiety or depression. They are yet to discover who they are and they need our love and help. If we all take a closer look at ourselves, we will discover we all experience fear in many forms, yours might be worse than mine. For one, it could be fear of eating candy while lying down due to past experience of choking, for someone else, it might be fear of speaking in front of people, and for others, it might be fear of trying something new to avoid failure or it could be way worse situations. The most important thing is how we handle these feelings when we experience them. “The anxious Christian’’ by Rhett Smith really gives a breakdown of the different scenarios where Christians experience fear and how to gradually deal with them.

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving; let your requests be made known to God”. Philippians 4:6

Your victory over fear, anxiety or whatever you may be going through is in Jesus Christ, the word of God is your weapon against all battles of the mind. Read the word of God, speak the word and believe it. There are many things one can do consciously or unconsciously when they are in tough situations, and I encourage you today, recognize that fear and deal with it to avoid making life more miserable.

Here are a few things that you can begin to practice today to overcome your fears

• Do not engage in negative prophesies over yourself by constantly saying, ‘oh I’m dead…I’m in hell… oh, there’s no hope for me… or, I can never come out of this etc.’ Rather, speak positive words when faced with challenging situations.
• Take it to God in prayer, stating your fears and worry very clearly.
• Share your feelings with your Pastor or loved ones who can pray with you and for you.
• Create a journal where you can write out the things you are afraid of.
• Write down the steps you are gradually taking to overcome those fears.
• Document your progress.
• Write prayer requests asking God to direct you and give you victory.
• Determine that in every season of your life, you will choose to praise God.

“so that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me”. Hebrew 13:6