How Do I Overcome My Fears?

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When the hero senses danger and lets fear quickly move him away from certain peril toward safety, we side with him. But, we use names like “chicken” and “scaredy cat” to taunt the fearful. The Bible offers counsel for both types of fears.

If you are not a Christian, fear of God should cause you to shutter with utter terror that God himself is against you because of your sin (Romans 1:18). “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31, ESV). Like the fear felt by the hero, this fear works for your good if it moves you toward the saving God. If you do not know God, ask God to open your eyes so that you can see his awesomeness and beauty, turn to him, receive forgiveness of sins, and join with those who God makes holy through Christ (Acts 26:18).

For Christians, fear of God is commanded. Before sending out his disciples to minister to those who were certain to persecute them, Jesus Christ said, “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28, ESV).

Since fear of God is necessary for developing Christ-like attributes necessary for courageous Christian living, the commandment is not without promise.

Fear of God:

is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10).
keeps you from doing wrong (Exodus 20:20).
is for your good and your survival (Deuteronomy 6:24).
enables you to consider and declare what God has done for you (Psalm 64:9).
is rewarded with mercy (Luke 1:50).
gives you courage (2 Corinthians 5:6-11).
perfects you in holiness (2 Corinthians 7:1).
allows you to yield to others (Ephesians 5:21).
will be rewarded (Revelation 11:18).

Fear of anything other than God, however, is forbidden by God. So, while fear of God is commanded, being a coward, a scaredy cat or a chicken, is so offensive to God that those who are spineless are promised an eternity in the lake of fire (Revelation 21:8).

God commands you not to fear the future, your circumstances, people, or death.

So how do you overcome these kinds of fears? God himself gives you the truth that enables you to be a conqueror.

Do not fear because God:

fights for you (Deuteronomy 3:22).
delivers you from the hand of your enemies (2 Kings 17:39).
will not fail or forsake you (1 Chronicles 28:20).
will save you (Isaiah 35:4).
is God. He will strengthen, help, and uphold you (Isaiah 41:10).
provides for you (Jeremiah 5:24).
sees you as valuable (Matthew 10:31).
has adopted you (Romans 8:15).

So fear God and fear nothing else. Believe as King David did and say with him,

“The LORD is my light and my salvation;
   whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life;
   of whom shall I be afraid?
Though an army encamps against me,
   my heart shall not fear;
though war arise against me,
   yet I will be confident.
I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the LORD
   in the land of the living!
Wait for the LORD;
   be strong, and let your heart take courage;
   wait for the LORD!” (Psalm 27:1, 3, 13-14; ESV).