How to Handle Fear

“By this, love is perfected with us, so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment; because as He is, so also are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love. We love, because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:17-19

There is nothing wrong with a few healthy fears. We should be wary of poisonous snakes, hurricanes, drugs, and fires. Usually it is not these kinds of fears that cause us problems. Rather it is the fear of people or of legitimate events or circumstances that can form enslaving strongholds which torment us night and day.

The foundation for overcoming our bondage begins with an understanding of fear’s origin and nature. Fear began with the fall of man. Before sin, fear was nonexistent (Gen. 2:25; 3:8-10). Then the origin of sin can be traced to Satan’s influence in the world. Behind our fears is the work of our archenemy, seeking to rob us of our confidence and joy.

Think of your fear in this way: Whatever the nature of your fear, it is based on false assumptions. Your fear is a lie because its perpetrator, the devil, is a “liar” (John 8:44). You may be afraid of what the future holds. That is Satan’s lie - designed to obscure the truth of God’s sovereignty and care (Phil. 1:21-24). You may be afraid of failure. That is Satan’s lie - conceived to hide the truth that the Lord Jesus Christ, Who is within you, will never fail or forsake you (Col. 3:4; Heb. 13:5).

There is no fear in love. Trust God - He loves you and will never forsake you!

“The fear of man brings a snare...” Proverbs 29:25