Growing up as a kid was not so much fun for me. Even though I had some fun moments, having a disciplinarian as a father is not much of a fun, I dare say. I was constantly living in fear of what might happen next if I stepped out of the room or if I stayed out too late.
Before long, this rubbed off on my attitude growing up as I was constantly living in fear of what might happen next, notwithstanding whether or not I could control the outcome of a particular event. I have however learnt over the years that my fears have always been in my head and were mere figments of my imaginations.
The word “fear” seems to come up a lot in the lives of many people, including young adults. Well, guess what?
FEAR simply stands for:
F – (F)alse
E – (I)mages
A – (A)ppearing
R – (R)eal
The images you have been playing repeatedly in your head do not necessarily have to become your reality. It is all in your mind.
To be able to stop living in fear, here are tips you would find useful:
1. What Makes You Live In Fear?
It is highly important that one answers this question as the answer to this would help in proffering a solution.
- Was it an event that happened in the past?
- Was it the words or actions of someone dear to you?
Be aware of what makes you live in fear and you are on your way to victory.
2. Flip The Switch
By this, I simply mean “change your thoughts.” Having established earlier that fear simply resides in the mind, it is imperative therefore to think about what one thinks about.
- What thoughts do you allow in your mind?
- What words do you say to yourself in your mind?
- What images have you captured in your mind?
Remember: As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.
3. The Power of Confession
You do not give your thoughts power unless you voice them out. It is easy to peg one’s thought but once they are vocalized, they are given life and have the potential to become one’s reality.
- What do you say to yourself?
- Are you constantly spewing words that build faith or fear?
Watch your words for they become your reality. The power of life and death is in the tongue. In this case, the power to build faith or fear lies in the words you say.
4. Control What You Can
Maya Angelou has this to say: “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t, change your attitude. Don’t complain.” This statement can as well be phrased as “If you do not have control over something, don’t fret. Focus on that which you can control.”
A lot of us live in constant fear because we fret over things which we have no control over and this has made us receptive to fear.
Be not anxious about anything!
5. The Power of Meditation
To meditate simply means “to ruminate”, “to ponder over something.”
What do you ruminate on?
Meditation helps to bring peace to one’s mind. You are in a state of tranquillity and calmness as you meditate and focus on the good things that life has to offer.
Challenge
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Phil 4:8
The challenge is that you focus your mind and bear your thoughts on the following listed above.
Confession
- I have not the spirit of fear but of love and boldness.
- My mind is constantly being renewed.
- My thoughts are centered on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy.
- Negative thoughts have no room in my mind.
- The Greater One lives in me!
- I have a sound mind!
{Related: How to Stop Living in Fear}
I hope you got something from this. Do leave a comment below and share with others.
Teens Meet Outreach 