Living in Increase (Part 9) - Increase in HealthSample

When You're Afraid

“Fear” is an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or is a threat. While there are healthy kinds of fear (the fear of the Lord or the fear of walking in front of a moving car), there are also unhealthy fears. These unhealthy fears are not from God, and they can wreak havoc on our emotions.

2 Timothy 1:7 says God did not give us a “spirit of fear and timidity.” Notice that fear and timidity are coupled together. When you’re afraid, you’re not confident. Fear causes you to become timid, unable to move. This is why we can see that fear is an attack from the enemy. Often, the enemy will attack us with fear because he’s the one who’s actually afraid.

God does not make us fearful or timid. Instead, He equips us with “power, love, and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7), each crucial to overcoming fear.

First, we must know God has empowered us. Through the blood and Name of Jesus, we have been given power over the enemy. We are not bound to fear. We do not have to be timid. We have power!

Second, God has given us the ability to love. 1 Peter 4:8 says that “love covers a multitude of sins,” and I believe love also covers fear. 1 John 4:18 says, “There is no fear in love.” Therefore, when we choose to love God and people, fear has no place in our lives. Fear and love cannot coexist. We must also remember that “God is love” (1 John 4:16), meaning that fear cannot exist in the presence of God and His love for us.

Finally, God has given us self-discipline. I always wondered why self-discipline was included in this list. I realized that self-discipline is necessary because, without it, we won’t be able to choose power and love in the face of fear. “Self-discipline” is the ability to control one’s feelings and overcome weaknesses. When we practice self-discipline, we control our feelings and overcome our fears by choosing power and love.

The next time you feel afraid, remember that God has equipped you with power, love, and self-discipline. You can control your response to your feelings and overcome your weaknesses. Fear is an attack on your focus. Keep your focus on God and the joy He brings!

Emily N. Green

Action Step: Identify the things that are causing fear. The next time you feel afraid, remember that God has given you power, love, and the self-discipline to choose them in the face of fear.