OVERCOME FEAR BY GOD’S WORD

"Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s" – 2 Chronicles 20: 15b

The Believer in Christ is empowered to OVERCOME FEAR by GOD’S WORD: "Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s" (2Chr.20:15b). Fear is one of humanity's strongest emotions. We all face various kinds of fear in life - big, obvious, storms-of-life kind, and little fears we may not even realize we have. It is natural to fear, but fear should not control our lives. Uncontrolled fear can lead to irrational thinking, regrettable behaviour, spiritual paralysis and death.

Fear is a key tool and evil scheme the devil uses to make humanity miserable and to destroy lives. Fear is not from God but from Satan: "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind" (2Tim. 1:7). Fear is the master spirit Satan uses to manipulate people and keep them out of God's will. It often becomes a strong, intense feeling that tries to move one to make a foolish action or to paralyse and prevent one from doing something worthwhile. Fear is the opposite of faith. God wants us to walk by faith, while Satan wants us to walk by fear. When we learn to live by faith, which comes through hearing God's Word, and not let fear rule, we can live a fulfilling, satisfying, peaceful and joyful life in Christ.

Fear usually begins as a thought and then creates emotions that can rule or ruin lives: "as [a man] thinks in his heart, so is he" (Pro.23:7). Where the mind goes, the man follows. This is why the Bible talks about meditating on the Word of God and having our minds renewed so we can know His Will (Rom.12:2). Meditating means we roll the Scripture over and over in our mind until it becomes part of us. Meditation turns information into revelation that guarantees Victory over Fear.

God commands us not to fear a total of 365 times throughout the Bible - a piece of encouragement for each day of the year! Consistently, the Bible teaches how to overcome fear God’s way. Here are Five Word-based Keys to Overcoming Fear:

God shows up in the Praises of His people: "Now when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushes against the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; and they were defeated" (v.22).

God's Presence dispels 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). Having God on our side is more than enough for us to never be afraid of what the future holds: "The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?" (Psa.118:6). The same truth is expressed in Psalm 23:4, "...I will fear no evil; for You are with me..."

Seeking the Peace of God 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, but it cannot coexist with Peace. The two are contrary to each other. We can’t have both peace and fear at the same time. It is either one is peaceful or fearful.

The Love of God 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" (1 Jh.4:18). When love overcomes, fear bows.

We overcome Fear by Praying to God: "I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears" (Psa.34:4). When we simply surrender every fear unto God, He'll instruct us into Victory over all enemies, challenges or oppositions arraigned against us, and fight our battles for us (vv.22-26).