Fear is a feeling we have over something that might happen or not happen and it comes in different ways, some of which include:
- Lack of courage to embark on a project because of the assumed impossibilities of the project.
- Lack of courage in oneself.
In whichever way fear comes, it is usually a false feeling. Fear is one of the tools of the devil to limit us from;
- Being who God made us to be
- Doing what God will have us do
In fulfilling purpose, achieving goals, pursuing visions and lots more, dealing with fears is a necessity. In this article, you will learn the key ways you can overcome fear.
1. Knowing Your Identity
“But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people, you are a kingdom priest. God’s holy nation, his very own possession. This is so you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light”
1 Peter 2:9 (NLT)
Who else does the devil get to attack with fear easily if not someone who does not know who he/she is? Being ignorant of one’s identity in Christ leads to a loss of confidence caused by fear. When God created man, He said; “Come, let’s make man in our own image, after our likeness” – Genesis 1:26a
This is who a man is – God’s image. Eve was ignorant of this and fell for the serpent’s deceit in the third chapter of Genesis. The serpent deceived her saying: “For God knows that on the day you eat of the fruit, then your eyes shall be opened and you shall be like God”.
The same way Eve fell for the serpent’s deceit is the same way believers (teenagers inclusive) fall for fear. Knowing who we are, what God says about us and our potential is one of the ways to overcome fears.
2. Studying the Word of God
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path”
Psalm 119:107
If one of the ways of overcoming fears is knowing our identity in Christ, the question should be how? How do we get to know our identity in Christ?
The answer is “THE WORD”, the word of God.
Everything we need to know about who we are and who God says we are is in His Word. In the study of God’s word, the Holy Spirit illuminates our hearts and we see and hear God through his word.
Intentional study of God’s word with the help of the Holy Spirit is a way through which God delivers from fear. The study of God’s word open the eye to know that: “The Lord has not given us the Spirit of fears but of power and of love and of a sound mind” – 2 Timothy 1:7
3. Submit to God
“Submit yourself therefore to God, resist the devil and he will flee from you.”
James 4:7
One of the means of entry of fear is pride. Yes, we should know who we are and be confident but our confidence should be in Christ and not in our abilities or strength.
When confidence comes from a man’s perception of himself and not God’s Word about him, pride has found its way in. Pride also gives room for the devil’s attack as God hates pride. If fear will be overcome, absolute confidence should be in God. We only submit to God when our absolute confidence is in him.
Until we submit to God, we cannot resist the devil (through fear) and expect him to flee.
4. Faith
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen”
Hebrews 11:1
A body cannot house both fear and faith.
Faith believes without proof but fear believes with proof. In overcoming fear, understand that it has to be replaced with faith. Confidence in God makes us believe (have Faith) in Him rather than doubt Him.
If God says; “I will not die but live to declare the glory of the Lord in the land of the living” but dying at 30 is a pattern in my family, only faith will make me believe in God’s Word that I have never seen or experienced over what I have seen happen over time.
In overcoming fears, faith is a necessity.
{Read: Overcoming Fear: Jesus Can Help You}
5. Prayer
“Don’t worry about anything, instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank Him for all he has done”
Philippians 4:6 (NIV)
Communicating our fears to God in the sincerity of our hearts is a sure way to overcome fear. Most times, we get to fill ourselves, and it becomes burdensome to talk to God. If only we would humble ourselves before God and tell Him all of our fears and worries (leaving none behind), fear will lose its domain over us.
Fear can be defeated and God is ever ready to deliver us if we come to Him in our helpless state. There are several ways of overcoming fears but the best way is to allow God to deal with our fears.
How have you tried to overcome your fears? I’d love to hear from you. Feel free to leave a comment below.
{Related: 5 Essential Tips to Face Fear and Live a Bold Life}
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