Hope in the Fight Against Fear

Fear held a tight grip on my life. It wasn’t just segmented to one area for me — no, the lies and anxiety of fear spread to so many of my relationships and situations. Pause and think about how fear impacts you. What do you fear specifically, and why does that fear have such power in your life? My own struggle with fear is one of the reasons I wrote Fear and Faith. It’s not a book about a woman who has arrived, rather it’s about how I’ve learned to fight for faith. Fear is ultimately rooted in unbelief, that’s why we need faith. So, Fear and Faith is about God—it’s about his goodness, grace, sovereignty, love, wisdom, and protection. And the book is a reminder that there is One strong enough for all your fears.

Is there any real hope for all of our fears? Yes, yes there is! We know that if we confess our sin God is faithful and just to not only forgive us but to also purify us (1 John 1:9). And God will indeed finish the good work He began in us (Phil 1:6). We are not left to flounder alone and we will not be tempted without a way of escape (1 Cor. 10:13). There’s great hope in fighting against fear and finishing our race.

So, if you struggle with the fear of man, one remedy comes by caring more about what the Lord thinks of you and resting in the knowledge that because of Jesus, He sees only righteousness (Psalm 103:12; 2 Cor. 5:21).

Do you fear you won’t measure up to your standards or the pressures you feel from society or those around you? One remedy to this fear is embracing that we actually don’t measure up, but Jesus does. He is our measure, and He satisfied every failure. When we are weak, He is strong (2 Cor. 12:9).

Or are you feeling guilty because you can’t seem to stop comparing yourself to others? One remedy for comparison is to learn to rejoice. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and ask God for a heart that is content in all circumstances (Phil 4:11). Preach the gospel to your heart and mind as you fight the temptation to compare.

When you look towards to future have you convinced yourself that it would simply be best if you, and not God, were in control? One remedy is to remember the character of God — He is good, sovereign, wise, and loving (Psalm 136:1). Our future is in the hands of a good Father. We can also pray — we don’t have to sit around waiting, we can ask God for good things.

The power of the Spirit can help us fight our fears and God can transform them into faith.

THE FEAR OF THE LORD

Ultimately, we all must grow in the fear of the Lord. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Prov. 9:10). The Scriptures tell us that we are to fear the Lord above all things. The fear of the Lord isn’t likely the fear that you might be thinking of. It’s not a fear that calls us to be afraid of God — as if he is a tyrannical monster. If perfect love casts out all fear, than surely that’s not what it means to fear the Lord; we no longer need to fear His punishment (1 John 4:18).

The fear of the Lord is an awe, reverence, and honor of God. The reverence and honor from fearing the Lord not only leads to worship but it also to obedience, obedience that is covered by Jesus (Eph. 2:8-9). It’s an acknowledgement of his holiness, and our response as a result of that holiness is worship. We grow in the fear of Lord by reading His word, praying, and worshiping.

Let’s take all fear and temptations to fear, to the Lord. All of these situations need loving guidance and wisdom from the Lord. Submit your requests to the Lord who provides generously to those who ask. And, above all, grow in your fear of the Lord, and find your strength, peace, and rest in Him.

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Special Note: Fear and Faith is on sale right now for only $0.99 in its kindle edition. That’s right, they are practically giving the book away! If you haven’t picked it up, I hope you’ll consider today! (Find it here).

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