DOMINION OVER DARTS OF FEAR (1)

“FEAR NOT, for I AM WITH YOU; be not dismayed, for I am your God…. – Isaiah  41:10

God’s Word is key to exercising DOMINION over DARTS of FEAR: “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” (Isa.41:10). There are natural and spiritual dimensions to Fear. Since childhood, everyone has a natural inclination to fear, usually as survival instincts or defence mechanisms against danger and harm. Natural fear is a common human emotion that’s deeply wired in our subconscious and conscious mind, but this shouldn’t control our lives. Paul reminds Believers in Christ: “For God has not given us a SPIRIT of FEAR, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2Tm.1:7). Here are four biblical keys to overcoming fear: 

God’s Presence cancels Fear: “FEAR NOT, for I am with you…” (Isa.41:10); “The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (Psa.118:6). Having God, who holds the future, on our side, is more than enough for us to never be afraid of what the future holds! The Supreme Ruler of the Universe; Maker of heavens and the earth, who holds all the power to protect, is with us! Why be afraid? Uncontrollable fear – the Spirit of Fear – can lead to irrational thinking, absurd behaviour, spiritual retardation, paralysis, or death. Instead of moving forward with faith, the fearful stagnates in his comfort zone. Psalm 23:4 says: “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me."

Trust in God’s Power dissolves Fear: “Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You…In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me?” (Psa.56:3-4). Every opportunity to fear is also an opportunity to trust God. Every moment of fear must be seen as an opportunity to surrender everything in God’s hands, knowing that all things will work out together for good as long as we are doing our part (Rom. 8:28). In most cases, when we are afraid, we are powerless. We really can’t do anything about most things we fear. We can’t control terrorists from throwing bombs. We can’t prevent natural disasters from happening. So, why should we fear? It’s wiser to just surrender our fears to God and trust that He – our caring, protecting Heavenly Father – will do what is best for us!

Seeking God’s Peace extinguishes Fear: “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (Jh.14:27). Fear brings turmoil in hearts and minds. Fear prevents orderly thinking; everything that we do seems to be subject to danger. We are constantly stricken with the thought that things can go wrong. Thankfully, Jesus left us His peace, to conquer fear. Peace and Fear cannot coexist. It is either we’re peaceful or fearful. It can’t be both! The peace that Jesus brings originates from Him. The world doesn’t have it to give. It is not the mere absence of conflict, but having an intimate and close relationship with Jesus. Peace comes from the assurance and belief that God is always in control.

Being Filled with Love casts out Fear: “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” (1Jh.4:18). God is love and those who follow Him are filled with His love. To get rid of fear, we must replace it with Love! If we truly love God, we should not fear anything, not even death! Love is an affection and emotion that does not produce any fear. As long as we have love in our hearts and lives, fear should never bother us. When love prevails, fear ceases to operate. When love overcomes, fear is suppressed. When love reigns, fear bows! God says, “FEAR NOT, I WILL HELP YOU” (v.13b).