We Already Possess Power Over Fear
Has fear ever plagued your mind? Have you ever lost a battle to fear? My hand is raised. It doesn’t have to be this way for children of God. Because God is not the source of fear. And He already provided us with power over fear for the victory.
Fear stalks us. And when we least expect it, it grabs us in the darkness with a relentless grip, refusing to let go or loosen its hold. It sets in as our uninvited companion.
Power Over Fear: What-ifs
Fear lives in the what-ifs plaguing our mind. It’s our worst nightmare, sleepless nights refuse us any rest.
Instead, fear whispers the worst-case scenarios to our heart. Afraid of the unknown, it wrestles with our spirit pinning us in a position of panic.
That fearful feeling sets in. I know it all too well. And I’m betting so do you.
Fear Messes With Our Wellness
Being afraid always messes with our emotional and spiritual wellness.
It happens when we face surgery. Or, when cancer pays a visit to us or a family member. When our child is bullied or a bully in our own path lurks nearby. Or, if our child lost her way and we fear for her well-being.
Likewise, with job loss, financial woes or fill in the blank with what makes you most afraid.
Power Over Fear: A Terrible Co-pilot
It even rides side-saddle with me when driving in inclement weather. You see, once upon a time an ice-and-snow-covered highway, on top of a mountain, spun me into circles then slid me into a ditch.
That day fear slipped into my passenger seat, buckling in for the long-haul. Ever since I battle anxiety like a dreadful enemy while driving during the least hint of snow or heavy rain.
Yet, fear is a terrible co-pilot in life. One we need to kick to the curb.
Fear is a terrible co-pilot in life. One we need to kick to the curb. #fear Share on XFearless Calls Us By Name
Hallelujah, there is hope! In Isaiah 43:1, the Lord reassured Jacob and us.
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” (ESV)
Also, fear wants us to believe God has abandoned us. Yet, the Lord never leaves us as Deuteronomy 31:6 affirms.
“It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” (ESV)
Power Over Fear: Spirit of Power
God is not the source of fear. Instead, it originates from the enemy of our souls. Look at 2 Timothy 1:7,
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” (ESV)
So, if God doesn’t give us a spirit of fear, then it comes from Satan. The Scripture is clear.
God gave us a spirit of power and love and self-control. And notice the verb gave is past tense. We already possess power over fear, we just need to access it.
We already possess power over fear, we just need to access it. We are fearless in Christ. Share on XFearless in Christ, we always defeat fearful. Always.
Our Victory
In 2 Timothy 1, Paul reminds us of additional truths confirming our power, love, and self-control from God: a sincere faith (verse 5), the gift of God (verse 6), an unashamed testimony in whom we have believed (verses 8-9), and a deposit entrusted to us through the Holy Spirit (verses 12-14).
Each of these things in our spiritual arsenal help us overcome fear. We place our faith in Christ. Because fear is shaky ground. And we know who we believe. Because fear is a liar.
We place our faith in Christ. Because fear is shaky ground. And we know who we believe. Because fear is a liar. Share on XPower Over Fear: Fearful or Fearless?
We choose fearful or fearless.
The enemy makes us fearful in the what-ifs or the unknown. But Christ makes us fearless when our faith and hope rest in Him.
Share a time you overcame fear or a go-to Scripture that helps you.
If you missed last week’s post, Jesus Saves: Salvation Scriptures and Prayer.
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Amen. Fear is not from the Lord.
Gratefully! We choose fearful or fearless.
Fear can stalk us like a prowling lion when we worry about our children, particularly if they’re struggling. We can also experience fear, as you stated, from a traumatic past circumstance. I still have a hard time trusting a certain person’s driving after the wreck we had with a semi. The Lord miraculously saved us, but my nerves are still rattled ten years later. Fear in this circumstance feels to me like lack of faith, but its reflexive. Lord, have mercy.
Oh, Melinda, that kind of thing would bring on a fearful heart. I don’t like to travel with big trucks. Glad you were okay and are learning to let Jesus calm your nerves in those situations. “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” Isaih 43:1 (ESV)
Amen. Satan wants us to believe fear means Forget Everything And Run! I’ve learned to not listen to that lie. He may bluster and bellow about in the “What Ifs” and the worries we have. I’ve learned that being afraid or fearful isn’t the problem. The problem is allowing it to consume and control you. Either you control fear or it will control you. It’s been said many times that courage is not the absence of fear, it the willingness to face your fear and move forward toward the goal. Sometimes fear heightens our senses and keeps us alive. Other times, it can be a slow death. It’s all in how we recognize it, how we deal with it, and who we allow to control our lives. I have learned to fear nothing in this life, because I know what lies beyond this as a child of God. Another fabulous post Ms. Karen. Thank you.
Great insight, J.D. The problem IS whether we let fear control us. There have been times when fear did control my emotions and thoughts and I sometimes went into full blown panic. We already possess power over fear, we just need to access it. God bless!
Yes, the devil will go to every length to attempt to trap us in fear, but when I see the signs and feel the stirrings of trepidation, that’s when I drop everything and go to God in prayer. Of course, it took long years for me to arrive at that point of complete trust in the Lord and His power, but I can’t think of any place I’d rather be, especially in this troubled and uncertain world.
Blessings, Karen!
Good for you, Martha. That’s what we all need to do, go to the Lord in prayer from the first inkling of fearful thoughts. It is the best place to be! “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:6 (ESV) God bless, Martha!
He doesn’t give us a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind. Thanks, Karen. God bless!
Nancy, I’m glad God is not the source of fear. Blessings!
Amen Karen. We must not fear but instead trust in the Lord. Thanks
Grateful for this promise, “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV)
In today’s world, we’re seeing more and more people lose their balance: moving from proceeding with wisdom to paralysis by fear. You’ve provided some good reminders that will help us remember applying the wisdom of caution while operating in faith without tipping over to being governed by fear.
Yes, Ava, I pray to be governed by God’s wisdom, not the world’s fear.
It always seems like there’s something to fear, and this can paralyze us. But we are consistently called to rise above our fears and do God’s will. God takes care of those who do this, always.
The enemy enjoys trapping us in fear. Fearless in Christ, we always defeat fearful. Always.
Fear ever feeds on our weaknesses, until we rest in the shadow of our Lord and in His strength. I love your post, Karen. This resonated deeply with me. 2 Timothy 1:7 is my go-to verse relating to the handful of times I was admitted to the psych hospitals, and that is a scary place to be when you’re afraid of your own mind! Praise Jesus though He has delivered me from those fears. He is my perfect peace (plus medicine!)
Hi Katie, thanks for sharing your story, wow, that’s amazing. Agree, fear feeds our weaknesses and even what we perceive as a weakness. Thankful you’re doing well. We place our faith in Christ. Because fear is shaky ground. And we know who we believe. Because fear is a liar.
I think of this often when I start to fear how people think of me as a writer: Galatians 1:10 Am I saying this now to win the approval of people or God? Am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be Christ’s servant.
Amy, Galatians 1:10 is one of my favorites and memorized it years ago to focus on pleasing God, not people. Thanks for sharing!
My hand is raised too. Boy those what if’s used to get me good. I love your message here friend.
Visiting today from G&T
Thanks so much, Paula. Yes, those what-if’s are hard to overcome. The enemy makes us fearful in the what-ifs or the unknown. But Christ makes us fearless when our faith and hope rest in Him.
We already possess it. We just need to access it-thx for this encouragement today!
Glad this spoke to you, Jan.
Karen, good words here. I’ve had seasons of going rounds with fear. It’s only when I become still and remember to trust God with whatever the situation is that I am the overcomer.
I relate, Jeanne. Just like I explain in the introduction, fear has gripped me many times over the years.
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