What Does the Bible Say About Fearfulness?

 

We are called to fear the Lord, which means respect, a reverent love, and deep honoring of the One Who made the entire universe, and Who also made you. But that’s not the kind of fear we’re going to be talking about today, although it’s important to understand the distinction and why we must fear the Lord.

Today we’re picking apart the fear that comes from the enemy. The fear that started in the Garden. The fear that only lives here on earth. The fear that holds us back from doing what God has created us to do, be, have, and give. The fear that keeps us from receiving and giving love. That fear comes from the enemy, and it’s a lie, my friend. 

 

To help you overcome your fear, we’re going to go through a series of exercises together. Feel free to grab paper and a writing utensil. 

 

First, ask yourself:

• What am I fearful of today and where is it coming from?
• Is your fear coming from a place of unrepentance? 
• In what ways have you sinned but haven’t spoken to God about? Make a list.
• If you hurt someone else have you repented to them? 

Is your fear coming from being hurt by someone you trusted? 

Have you been rejected in your childhood or even recently? 

Being vulnerable can be super scary when you’ve had a lifetime of rejection, hurt, and abuse. The only thing that helps, from my personal and current experience, is Jesus. Here’s some truth for you right now: Humans may reject you and leave you, but Jesus never ever will! Soak in that, friend. ♥

Another thing that’s very important to overcome fear is to know the enemy's tricks and have respect for his power while understanding the power that comes from Jesus and the truth that it far outweighs the enemy’s power. You have the authority over the enemy! Today - right now!

I recently went through an amazing study with Chip Ingram called the Invisible War. He gets in-depth about knowing the adversary and he gives detailed practical applications on how to overcome his tricks. I highly recommend it!

Okay, so how do we truly overcome fear, every single day, no matter where we are, and who we’re with? I have tried all the ways, my friend - all of them. The only thing that has truly helped me to overcome my deep seeded fear of rejection is God’s Word. 

I know, such a “Christian” thing to say, right? But it’s actually true! 

 

Talking about Jesus helped.

Reading about Jesus helped.

Singing about and to Jesus helped.

Getting to know Jesus helped.

Praying to Jesus helped. 

 

On my journey away from this false fear, I ask myself these questions frequently:

1. Do you believe Jesus is the only one who can help you and save you? 

2. How close are you to Jesus?

3. Are you obeying God's commands?

4. Do you love others?

 

I want to encourage you to honestly ask yourself those questions. Write them out if you have to - that helps me a lot - and write out your answers. If the answer is no, ask why. Write that down, too.

Those questions are important to ask yourself when you’re in a fearful state of mind and heart because they’ll help you to refocus your attention on the right things. It’s a psychological way of bringing yourself back from fear to a place of peace, understanding, and compassion. Also, it really makes the enemy mad when we realign our thoughts and hearts with Jesus. Ha. #lifegoals #maketheenemymad

 

Below are Bible verses I recommend that you study to help you bring your mind and heart out of a place of fearfulness. You can study them all in one day, or split them up as you need to, but dig in! Do some in-depth word study and use different translations. A great resource for this is the You Version Bible App.

Verses:

 

1. 2 Timothy 1:7- we have power over fear given to us by God Himself. The holy spirit is in you. Call on Him! Your spirit craves love - God's holy and righteous love, and it craves to love others. Use your frontal lobe brain to consider the fear - what's the truth about it?

2. 1 John 4:18 - God's love is the reason no believer should feel is the day of judgment.

3. Psalm 27:1 - if we believe that we will one day be in heaven with God the Father then what do we have to fear?

4. Joshua 1:9 - God literally commands us not to be afraid or dismayed because He's with us always.

5. Psalm 91 (yes the whole chapter. It’s not long. Enjoy!)

6. Deuteronomy 31:6 - the task ahead requires steadfastness- we must rely solely on the Lord for your deliverance from the enemy and this world that he is deceiving.

7. Isaiah 35:4 - Say to those who are fearful-hearted, “Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, With the recompense of God; He will come and save you.”

8. Daniel 10:19 - He said, “Don’t be afraid, you who are treasured by God. Peace to you; be very strong!” As he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.”

9. Luke 12:32 - “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

10. Hebrews 13:6 - So we may boldly say: “The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”

You do not have to live in fear, sweet one! If you know, love, and trust Jesus then you are free! You’re free from fear, rejection, condemnation, and hell! 

That’s enough to rejoice over right there! 

 

Press into your Savior. Hard. And don’t let go. Ever. Take up your cross daily, and live under the blood of Jesus where you belong. Fear and anxiety do not own you! Peace, joy, patience, and love do. Write that down until you believe it - 10, 50, 100 times a day if you have to! You are loved by the One who created the entire universe! His love is enough. In the Mighty name of Jesus. Amen.