Teachings

Overcoming Fear

2 Timothy 1:7-7

By Robert D. Pace

I must tell you that fear is not inherently bad. For example, fears can be divided into three broad categories.

 

First, there is a healthy fear which serves as a natural alarm system and tells us when to resist, run, or relax.  

 

 Second, there are abnormal fears which can often develop into a phobia and can adversely control our behavior. 

 

Third, there is "godly fear" which the Bible encourages all people to possess.  For example, Psalm 111:10 says: "The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do [his commandments]: his praise endures for ever."  And Proverbs 1:7 says, "The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of knowledge: [but] fools despise wisdom and instruction."  Both wisdom and knowledge begin with fear of the Lord.


Typical Fears

1.         Fear of the unknown.

2.         Fear of the future.

3.         Fear of death.

4.         Fear of failure.

5.         Fear of men.

6.         Fear of sickness.

7.         Fear of lack.

 

 

Ways to Conquer Fear

1.         Pray. (Philippians 4:6)

 

2.         Trust God's faithfulness.  Examples abound in Scripture to God's help for those in need. Isa 41:10, "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." 

 

3.         Acknowledge Christ's Lordship over all creation.  ("In the world you will have tribulation . . . but I have overcome the world" (John 16:33.))

 

4.         Learn to affirm your faith in God. Confess the truths of Scripture out loud and begin to incorporate them in your daily life (Psalm 27:1; 2 Timothy 1:7).

 

5.         Recognize God is your helper (Isaiah 12:2). (Names of God; Elohim (Gen 1:1).

 

6.         Understand the Fatherhood of God and that He provides for His own.  Example: The Lord's Prayer (MAT 6:9-13).  Example: Kristen (4) and Davi (3) trapped by the worm on the neighbor's porch.

 

7.         Refuse to be anxious (Psalm 27).

 

8.         Recognize God's many promises for your need and meditate on His Word.  (Moses; Daniel; Three Hebrews; etc.)

 

9.         Trust God's Wisdom and Providence to do what is best.

 

10.       Look to the future.  Jesus said in John 14:1-3, "I go to prepare a place for you. . ."

 

11.       Draw Near to God (Psalm 91:1-3; 14-16).

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