The Impact of Fear on the Believer (Part III)

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 1John 4:18

The scripture reminds us that fear is tormenting, and it beats down the believer. Fear feels like punishment. Why do then we put up with fear? Fear gives us a false sense of safety and security. When fear is coupled with worry, it makes us feel in control, but sadly, it is really the fear that controls the believer. We forget that fear warps our reality.

Fear bombards us with negative thoughts about ourselves. It makes our problems look bigger than our God. It shuts down our faith, and it causes us to forget God’s love for us. We then move into self-preservation. Being fearful is really a pathetic state for a believer.

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2Timothy 1:7

The above scripture shows us that fear can also be a spirit. The enemy tries to take advantage of the believer by lying about the facts and exaggerating them in order to paralyze him/her. He knows that when we are oppressed by the spirit of fear, we will less likely be able to feel powerful, loving, and in control of our thoughts. Hence, we will not be effective as believers to fulfill His will on the earth. This is very important.

Love and fear are archenemies. If we desire to walk in love and in the authority God has given us, we must get rid of fear.  Most of us would like claim that our goal is to honor and glorify God with our lives. However, we dismiss the hindering affect of the spirit of fear that has on us.

The good news is that we don’t have to continue to be oppressed by fear. We can rebuke the spirit of fear in Jesus’ name. Submit ourselves to God, resist the devil, and the scripture tells us that the devil will flee (See James 4:7).  In times of fear, instead of feeding our fears, we need to run to the Lord.  We take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, and we allow His love will comfort and strengthen us. When faced with fear, we should turn to worshipping the Lord and magnifying Him. This will cause our fear to dissipate, and we will begin to feel free and hopeful.

Here is a song ( by Jesus Culture) that talks about the spirit of God is an ocean deeper than fear. Enjoy and be blessed!