Fear Not: How to Fight Fear

Fighting Fear and Anxiety through God

Fear and anxiety are common emotions that many people experience in their lives. Whether it's due to a specific situation or a general feeling of unease, these emotions can be overwhelming and debilitating. However, as believers, we have a powerful weapon in the fight against fear and anxiety – our faith in God.

1. Seek God's Presence

When fear and anxiety start to take hold, it's important to turn to God for comfort and strength. Spend time in prayer and meditation, seeking His presence and guidance. Remember that God is always with you, and He promises to never leave or forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6).

2. Meditate on God's Promises

God's Word is filled with promises of peace, strength, and protection. Take time to meditate on these promises and let them sink deep into your heart. One powerful promise is found in 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."

The Wrong Reaction to Fear

When we panic and try to address our issues on our own, we restrict the only power strong enough to eradicate our fears and anxiety from their very root.

In Philippians 4:6, God tells us not to worry about anything, and instead, to pray to Him about our desires and fears while giving Him thanks as we ask for what we need. He said after we do this, His peace that transcends all human understanding will guard our hearts and minds.

The thing about fear, anxiety and worry is a person who is overcome with these emotions is much more fixated with their perception of the problem rather than the actual issue itself.

The Right Reaction to Fear

Casting our cares on God puts things back in the right perspective and reminds us that He has everything in control and is working all things out for our good.

Fear frightens, worry paralyzes and anxiety torments. This gang of oppressive spirits, if given ample opportunity, will ravage a person from the inside out.

There are many people battling with problems because they are struggling with fears that could have been addressed if they had just given their problem to God in the first place.

Fear Not

In the Bible the phrase “fear not” is mentioned 365 times. That is a word of assurance for each day of the year. All throughout scripture, God reminds His people repeatedly that although the situation may look impossible, they had no need to fear.

This is an integral principle every believer needs to understand because afflictions, trials and tribulations will come. Still, challenges and difficulties are not meant to destroy us; rather, they are opportunities for God to show His miraculous power through us to strengthen our own faith and display His power to others.

But if we do not cast our cares on the Lord and give Him our fears, the fear will destroy us instead of the problem that God has already promised to take us through.

The Takeaway 

When it looks like things are dark and there is no hope, always remember: the Lord is your light, your salvation and the stronghold of your life, so you have no need to be afraid. (Psalm 27:1). 

Truly, when you feel weighed down and weary from the pressures and trials of life, never forget Christ is eager to carry your burdens for you and He promises to give you rest for your soul (Matthew 11:29).

Moreover, when you are overwhelmed and bombarded with never ending issues, just cast your cares on the Lord because He cares for you and will never let you fall or lose your footing (Psalm 55:22).

When life gets tough and the only thing you want to do is hide, resist the urge to run away and instead, choose to be strong and courageous because the Lord is with you always.

When you feel like you’re trapped and there’s no way out, remember God Himself will take hold of your right hand and He, your Redeemer and the Holy One of Israel, will help you (Isaiah 41:13-14).

This means no matter how insurmountable, impenetrable or impossible your situation may appear, you don’t have to worry because God is your refuge, strength and ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). And when you pray to Him, He will answer and deliver you from all your fears (Psalm 34:4).