POWER OVER FEAR

And he answered, FEAR NOT: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them – 2 Kings 6:16

There is the fear of God that is the beginning of wisdom (Psa.111:10). There also is a healthy, preservative fear which helps us to be more cautious in life. Beyond these however, we must learn to overcome the negative forms of fear that are destructive to the soul: the “False Expectations Appearing Real”. Such uneasy feelings of inadequacy, alarms of threat, and gripping, paralyzing feelings are often driven by a SPIRIT of FEAR. These unhealthy forms of fear can make one bury God-given talents and dissipate inner spiritual strength. They must be rooted out at all costs. Paul reminded Timothy, “God has not given us the SPIRIT of FEAR; but of POWER, and love, and of a sound mind” (2 Tim. 1:7). When someone is under the attack of fear, an endeavour for which one was confident and enthusiastic, suddenly begins to appear insurmountable and overwhelming. This could lead to feelings of failure and panic and ultimately little or no achievement of life’s goals.

The first reference to fear in the Bible was subsequent to the entry of Sin through Satan’s subtlety in Eden. The Lord asked where Adam was, and his reply revealed fear: “I heard Thy voice in the garden, and I was AFRAID, because I was naked; and I hid myself” (Gen.3:10). Humanity’s challenge with FEAR is reflected in the young servant of Elisha who woke up early one morning and found that the Syrian army had surrounded the city. Alarmed and afraid, he cried out to Elisha, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” (2 Kg.6:15). After Elisha prayed, the Lord opened the young servant’s eyes. What he saw must have filled him with awe and wonder: “the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha” (v.17). Fear flee!

God wants us to learn to trust His promise that He is with us. So, when fear strikes, face it head-on. Ask yourself, “What am I really afraid of?” Break down the nature of your fear: Is it fear of failure, of the unknown or even of success? Are you afraid of failure that could lead to criticism or to rejection from loved ones? Are you afraid that your weaknesses and inadequacies could be exposed? Are you afraid that others will withdraw from you or perhaps even punish you? No matter how frightening or threatening the situation, we the people of God always have more on our side than the enemy has on his. Every fear you feel has been defeated by Christ. The Lord who called you is strong and powerful enough to keep you. He empowers you to achieve every task He assigned you to. Fear results from keeping things in your own hands; faith is placing them in the hands of God – and leaving them there. There is a divine POWER in you that can put all fear to flight! FEAR NOT!