Does Fear Have A Face?
As long as I can remember scary movies always seemed to portray fear as a huge entity, bigger than life, incapable of containment. We grow up seeing fear and the many expressions of it. Are we being groomed for fear allowance? It's become so watered-down we subconsciously welcome it into our minds. We've succumbed to believe fear is powerful. Like the movies, does fear look like these villains we see? Will we recognize it? Lets learn about this small word "fear" that takes on a figure of grandeur and lets see what the bible has to say and what we are called to do!
What is Fear?
It is tormenting. Fear is a refusal to accept to an imagination, an outcome of something in your mind, which causes a change in metabolic and organ functions and ultimately a change in behavior such as: fleeing, hiding or freezing from perceived traumatic events. The fear response arises from the perception(the ability to see, hear, or become aware of something through the senses) perception means: discernment, awareness. God made us with the ability through his Holy Spirit to be aware, be alert and discern our surroundings. Which include the spiritual attacks against us. Fear being one of those traps set to trip us up.
Is Fear Powerful?
Yes, it is, but's it's power is limited! Don't be so shocked by this answer. If you do not have your feet planted on the firm foundation(Jesus Christ); you will be moved. Fear puts on a false image & that stature will cause you to crumble. For example, for some fear comes in the image of sickness, for others its lack of finance and for most its an identity issue. Who am I in Christ? When fear comes it can be powerful enough to paralyze you. Stop your forward motion. Stunt your growth. Isaiah 9:6 calls Jesus the "Prince of Peace". He speaks things into creation and says, "what is"(Genesis 1:1-25). Being In Him, you cannot be consumed by fear. Psalm 112:8 says, " His heart is upheld, he will not fear While he looks [with satisfaction] on his adversaries." You see? Fear is non-existent in the presence of God. This person goes onto describing joy in the midst of his adversaries. Why? Because Jesus is the all Powerful One and He will avenge you! Fear is a false entity, no longer the villain in your scary movie, called "life". Isaiah 41:10 says, "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness". Here is a promise from God reminding you three times He's got your back, your front and all your sides. He is God, He's your strength, your help, and your guide! How does fear stand up against that promise? It doesn't. This just proves how powerless it is. The limitations fear has over us. That illusion of might is crushed by truth.
Overcoming Fear
Ephesians 6:12 says." For our struggle is not against flesh & blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of [present] darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) places." Understanding this scripture will allow you to take a closer step of faith knowing Jesus has it all in control. That we begin to notice fear for what it is a stronghold, an evil spirit, a lie from the enemy. After realizing this we do not stay in our current situation but we use the Word of God as our weapon. The Word of God is called our "sword". Picking up the Word and reading it allows us to be prepared to fight back with scripture.
Lets Take Action
Here's a lists of scriptures that will grow your faith in God, your trust in His word and your confidence in His power.
Psalms 34:4 "I sought the Lord [on the authority of His word], and He answered me, And delivered me from all my fears."
Isaiah 41:10 "'Do not fear [anything], for I am with you; Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, be assured I will help you; I will certainly take hold of you with My righteous right hand [a hand of justice, of power, of victory, of salvation].'"
2 Timothy 1:7 "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of a sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control]."
Psalm 56:3 "When I am afraid, I will put my trust and faith in You."
Joshua 1:9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be terrified or dismayed (intimidated), for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."
Deuteronomy 31:6 "Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble in dread before them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not fail you or abandon you."
There are so many more scriptures to learn about being freed from fear and its grasp on your life or situations from time to time. We were created to not fear but trust in Christ for all things. As you start to realize fear in your life, and put into action war faring over your trial, you will begin to grow and notice that fear doesn't effect you as before. It will begin to become easier to overcome these problems because your faith in Christ eventually matures and you see He is honest when he says, "He will never leave you, nor forsake you". You are his beloved son and daughter who He very much delights in. Grabbing ahold of the Word is where it all is. This fact is gold for anyone who will receive it. Will you?