Fear. Thirty-five years ago, I took my soon to be fiancee to see a scary movie hoping that her fear would cause her to snuggle up close to me.
I am not ashamed to admit that I was just a scared as her with my introduction to Freddy Krueger and The Nightmare on Elm Street.
Many people enjoy scaring themselves, but I tell you this-I am not one of them. That was the last scary movie I’ve gone to since. I’ve been referred to as a “scary cat” by some friends and family members. I prefer to go with cautious or aware. I don’t walk around in fear daily.
However, when we are not seeking out Jesus, fear is something that can paralyze us at times. There is a constant battle between fear and faith. Do we take God at His word and trust Him when we pray?
Or are we just hoping that God will come through? Do we go boldly before His throne of grace, or is prayer the last thing we think to do? There should be no fear when it comes to talking with God. He is patiently waiting to hear from us. He loves us and wants to show Himself powerfully. So lets cast all our fears away and go to the One who loves us so.
Weapons of Satan
Fear is not of God. Fear is one of Satan’s favorite weapons when it comes to crippling our effectiveness as Christians. Doubt is fear’s evil cousin, and they seem to go hand in hand. It is easier for us to succumb to theses weapons when we forgot who we are in Christ.
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and a sound mind. -2 Timothy 1:7 kjv
Living in Fear
It is so easy to fall victim to living in fear. Here are just a few that I struggle with at times. Maybe you can relate to a few of these fears?
Fear of Failure: Sometimes, we can spend so much time worrying or doubting God’s calling that we miss the opportunity for a blessing and to be a blessing to others.
Fear of Missing Out: This is a tricky one. We can make bad decisions when we allow fear to rule our decision-making process. Just like with Adam and Eve in the Garden, they feared that God had somehow shortchanged them. These feelings made it easier for them to listen to satan and disobey God. Fear in their situation led to dire consequences.
Fear of Acceptance: This was a constant struggle for many years growing up, especially during my teenage years. If you know my story, I never really adapted to being a missionary pastor’s kid. It was a constant struggle for me trying to see where I fit in. Both my elementary school and high schools were predominately white. We lived in a black neighborhood where some of the neighboring kids said: “I talked funny.”I struggled internally, shuttling back and forth between two very different cultures. As adults, we can fall susceptible to the fear of wanting to belong. Thankfully I know Jesus Christ accepts us just the way we are. Click To Tweet
Living Courageously
Courage is doing what God has called us to do despite our fears. Living with courage does not mean we won’t ever experience anxiety. Living with courage means we believe God when He says He will never leave or forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5)
Sometimes God allows us to go through experiences that draw us closer to Him. When we seek Him with our whole heart, we will find Him. (Jeremiah 29:13). We can snuggle up in the security of His bosom and let His all-powerful arms surround us in love.
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? -Psalms 27:1 kjv
There are so many reassurances from God in His word reminding us of His love and protection. It is incredible when we trust God and His calling and commit to not living in fear. When He reveals Himself to you, there is nothing comparable to seeing and experiencing God at work in your life. Look at this quote I came across in preparation for writing this post. Mary Brainard was an American writer who wrote religious poetry in the late 1800s.
I would rather walk with God in the dark, than go it alone in the light. – Mary Gardiner Brainard.
Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear… -Psalms 27:3 kjv
Are you ready to live courageously? Is not something we can do on our own, but when we put our complete trust and faith in our Savior, fear fades to the background, and we can press forward in faith! Let’s Live Courageously,
In Christ alone,
Horace Williams, Jr.
Horace Williams Jr is the oldest son of a pastor who went to be with Jesus in 2020. He is an award-winning author and amateur chef who loves Jesus Christ. His passion for Christ inspires readers to draw nearer to the God who loves them.
Horace, fear is an enemy that can sneak into my mind. I’ve experienced all the fears you’ve mentioned. And Jesus is my deliverer every time I turn to Him. 2 Tim. 1:7 is a wonderful reminder that fear doesn’t come from Jesus.
Amen, Debbie, where would we be without Jesus? I am so thankful for his watchful eye and His loving care. His grace is undeserved, and He shows Himself faithful always. I want to live courageously for Him. Be well, my sister in Christ. Blessings.
Fear comes naturally to me. But thankfully by the grace of God, at times I’m able to move ahead despite fear , and occasionally even allow God to deliver me from it altogether. Thanks for this reminder that we aren’t doing this alone; God is always with us!
Amen, Lisa. I too am thankful that God comes alongside and instills us with courage so we can move forward despite our fears. I’m glad you enjoyed reading. May you and yours have a blessed holiday season.
Fear is that unwelcome guest that I have to entertain sometimes. I have fear of driving especially highways or any new local roads.
I keep claiming verses and repeating them aloud.
Praise God , there is victory in Jesus
Fear comes in a variety of diways, Diana. You have found a way to keep God close when handling your fear. Keep Him close, sister.God is will give you courage on those scary roads, Blessings.
I tend to think of fear in regards to scary things, but you make a great point here when you point out fears like fear of failure and fear of missing out. We fear a lot of things that aren’t “scary.” These things are so common in our lives that we tend to overlook them, I think. Thanks for highlighting those today! You’ve given me some things to think about.
Excellent. I’m glad to read this post gave you something to think about, Shannon. Thanks for visiting my site today. The enemy is crafty, and he can trick us as he did with Adam and Eve. However, it is incumbent upon us as Christians to keep our eyes on Christ and not be drawn away from God’s path for us by fear. Thank you again for visiting today. May you and yours have a blessed holiday season.