Chronic Fear-can humans avoid feeling fearful?
Fear is a term that describes an emotional response in reaction to something that may be dangerous or threatening. On a day-to-day basis, many people experience fear ranging from nervousness about public speaking to intense phobias.
Fear is defined from our text as a mind that lacks power (Philippians 4v13, 1 John 4v4; 1John 5v4) lacks self love (Roman 5v5; 1Peter 2v9) and ability to make right choices.1Corinthians 2v16
Different Kinds Fear
Fear of Failure, Aging, Animals, Ill health, Uncertainty & Change, Phobias, Fear of being different, Fear of Criticism, and Fear of making mistakes.
When God made Adam, he had no sense of fear because he had no past experience of defeat, vulnerability, failure or helplessness. The reason was simply because he was only filled with God. In God there is no fear. When man through his disobedience to the instruction of God fell, the nature of the falling man is full of fear. After the fall of man, man’s first statement to God was “I heard your voice and I hid myself “
“The Lord God called out to the man and asked, “Where are you?” The man answered, “I was naked, and when I heard you walking through the garden, I was frightened and hid!” Genesis3:9-10 CEV
The nature of being anxious and fearful is not of God, the bible refers to it as an unsound mind, an imperfect mind, an unhealthy mind and a tormented mind. All these words are not the will of God for man.
Every believer and unbeliever has been born and grown up with different experiences that are capable of triggering the feelings of fear and anxiety. This nature is constantly with the unbelievers since they are still far from the plan of God. But the believer must train himself to return to the place of man before the fall of man, which is what Jesus Christ the second Adam came to restore. In this place of the new creation, God’s expectations for us is to see ourselves as He our heavenly Father sees us, a mind that has no fear knowing that nothing is impossible and all things work together for good for those that love God. It may be natural to fear and be anxious, but yet it’s not godly.
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV
“Anyone who belongs to Christ is a new person. The past is forgotten and everything is new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 CEV
“For “who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 2:16 NKJV
Fear is not from God it immobilises and torments its victims, making them feel powerless and alone.
Effects of Fear
The goal of satan is to send the demon of fear to make us fearful, anxious and you are either frozen or immobilised or you will make a hasty or wrong decision that will lead to greater human suffering and bondage. E.g Relationship, business, career and so on.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
2Timothy1:7 NKJV
“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ “Fear not, you worm Jacob, you men of Israel! I will help you,” says the Lord And your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.”
Isaiah 41:10, 14 NKJV
How to overcome Fear
1. We have the power of God within us through the person of the Holy Spirit which enables us not to be victims of the tormenting forces of the evil one like fear.
2. Remember that fear comes to make us feel alone, but that is the lie of the devil because we are never by ourselves even when we feel so. We walk by faith in our hearts, and not by how we feel. When faith rises to the right level, fear runs out quickly. You have to ambush fear with the word of God hidden in your heart, so that you will stand your ground when fear knocks at the door of your heart.
“Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” Psalms 119:11 NKJV
“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us.” 1John 4:18-19 NKJV
“And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”
Romans 5:3-5 NKJV
“You, Lord, are all I want! You are my choice, and you keep me safe. You make my life pleasant, and my future is bright. I praise you, Lord, for being my guide. Even in the darkest night, your teachings fill my mind. I will always look to you, as you stand beside me and protect me from fear. With all my heart, I will celebrate, and I can safely rest.” Psalms 16:5-9 CEV
3. We have the mind of Christ by which we can apply the ways of God in making sound choices.
“The Scriptures ask, “Has anyone ever known the thoughts of the Lord or given him advice?” But we understand what Christ is thinking.”
1Corinthians 2:16 CEV
“But whoso hearkens to me [Wisdom] shall dwell securely and in confident trust and shall be quiet, without fear or dread of evil.”
Proverbs 1:33 AMPC
Yours in the beloved
Pastor John Aja Nwachuku