On the other hand, fear may also become destructive when it is not dealt with in a healthy manner, especially if it is the result of a traumatic experience in the past; something that has been repressed. There are many fears and phobias that may be debilitating, such as claustrophobia, fears of inferiority, poor health and poverty.
What Scripture Says
"I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears" (Psalm 34:4)."There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love" (1 John 4:18).
"For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7).
"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).
"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand" (Isaiah 41:10).
"You who fear the Lord, praise Him! All you descendants of Jacob, glorify Him, and fear Him, all you offspring of Israel!" (Psalm 22:23).
"I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth....The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him and delivers them" (Psalm 34:1,7).
"He who dwells in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.... A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not come near you" (Psalm 91:1,7).
How To Be Free
The biggest weapon against fear is prayer and a believing trust in God's faithfulness. Invite Him to be Lord of your life. Learn to affirm your faith in God. Confess the truths of Scripture out loud and begin to incorporate them in your daily life (Psalm 27:1; 2 Timothy 1:7). Philippians 4 gives ten ways to help you overcome fear and anxiety:- Obey God's command to not be anxious (verse 6).
- Call on the Lord in prayer (verse 6).
- Realize God's promise to keep your mind safe (verse 7).
- Meditate on God's Word and good things (verse 8).
- Learn and focus on Godly behaviour (verse 9).
- Aim to help others, shifting your attention away from yourself (verse 10).
- Learn to be content (verse 11).
- Rely on Christ's strength to help you (verse 13).
- Accept God's provision to meet your needs (verse 19).
- Realize that God's grace is with you (verse 23).
Ask your pastor, a Christian counsellor or another Holy Spirit-filled Christian (such as one of our Crossroads prayer partners) to agree with you in prayer for boldness in Christ. There is freedom from fear in the powerful name of Jesus. Repent of being fearful and of any resentment and bitterness you may feel towards those who have hurt you. Ask God to give you love for them instead. Love will replace the fear. Praise Him who surrounds you with His angels (Psalm 34).
As You Pray
In agreement with a prayer partner, bind the spirit of fear and torment in the name of Jesus. Receive God's peace and rest. Thank the Father for sending the Holy Spirit to minister to you, and for restoring your confidence in the promises of His Word. Join your prayer partner in praise and thanksgiving, honouring and revering God. Agree with God's Word that He delivers and saves all who call upon Him. Ask the Lord to baptize you with the Holy Spirit and power (Luke 11:13; Acts 1:8).Suggested Reading
Worry Free Living by Dr. Frank Minirth, Dr. Paul Minirth and Don Hawkins; Telling Yourself The Truth by William Backus and Marie Chapian; Prison To Praise and other books by Merlin Carothers.Genesis 15:1; 26:24; 46:3 God is a shield against fear
Exodus 14:13,14 God fights our battles
Joshua 1:9 God is ever present
Judges 6:10 Godless nations are no threat to God's people
Matthew 10:26,28 Boldness enjoined
Luke 8:50 Faith dispels fear
Acts 27:24 Assurance in face of death
Deuteronomy 28 Obedience brings blessing
Hebrews 13:5,6 God does not abandon us
Psalm 23:4; 34:4 God delivers from fear
1 John 4:18 Love drives out fear
2 Timothy 1:7 The Spirit of God fills with power, love and self-control
Psalm 27:1; Isaiah 41:10 Strength promised
Crossroads is happy to help. In fact, that's the whole reason we exist as a ministry. The daily 100 Huntley Street telecast and the 24-hour-a-day Telephone Ministry line are here for the same reason. You may want to call us as you are reading this: 1-866-273-4444
God loves you and we love you! Please give us the privilege of doing our best to help more. For further ministry, you may contact the Crossroads Ministry Centre by writing to:
Crossroads Christian Communications Inc.
Attn: National Ministry Centre
PO Box 5100
Burlington, Ontario L7R 4M2
