Fear and anxiety are caused through different things or scenarios. Some people are scared due to past experiences that they had. Some are scared because of their thoughts of what their future might look like. For any of both situations, a believer is not meant to be scared.
A preacher once said, “if the devil reminds you of your past, you remind him of his future.” Fear is one of the major mind games that the devil plays with believer’s mind. You must learn to cast all those fears down by God’s words.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”
2 Timothy 1:7
The first thing every believer must understand about fear is that, it is a gift that God did not give. Fear is given by Satan. Believers must not to be ignorant of this. God’s plan for His people is sound mind and anything short of that is not God’s plan and God’s gift. Every good and perfect gift comes from God. Fear is not good neither is it perfect, so it is not from God.
2Cor.10:4-6
(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalted itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.
7 Steps to Overcoming Fear and Anxiety
- Identify the source of your fear and anxiety
The first step in overcoming fear and anxiety is for you to find and know the source of your fear. Many times, you would discover that there is no need to be afraid in the first place. Many are even scared without knowing the reason they are afraid. There is no need to wallow in fear when you have the Almighty God as your father.
- Guide your heart with all diligence
Proverbs 4:23(KJV)
Keep thy heart with all diligence; For out of it are the issues of life.
It is necessary that anyone that wants to overcome fear to guide his heart diligently. The matter of the heart is very important, because when a man is captured in his heart, he is already enslaved. Do not allow very trivial matter to enslave your heart in one spot. Guide your heart with God’s words.
- Pray in tongues
“But you, beloved, build yourselves up in your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit; keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life” (Jude 20–21).
Praying in tongues has helped me a lot in getting out of many heart enslaving situations such as fear, anxiety and depression. The scriptures explain that we do not know how to pray or even what to pray as we ought but the spirit of God makes intercessions for us. At some times we may not even know what to pray about when we are scared, one of the best option available is to pray in tongues.
- Read and meditate God’s word
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:8-9, ESV)
Reading and meditation on God’s words is a very powerful tool as well to overcome fear. By the time you are able to see what God says you are in His word, overcoming fear becomes easy. Every believer must make the study of God’s words a crucial part of their life.
- Seek godly counsel
You may also need to seek Godly counsel from believers or your pastor if you think you do not want to handle any of the matter causing you to fear alone. Mostly, if such matters or situations are life threatening, informing your pastor is most likely the best thing to do.
- Speak the word of God consistently
Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord (Ephesians 5:19)
Learn to speak the word of God to yourself consistently. It helps strengthens your faith more in God. Do not be weary in speaking God’s words to yourself often
- Trust God to keep His promises to you
You must trust that whatsoever God promises you, He would keep. Meanwhile, God never fails. He always fulfils what he says. He is faithful and just. Hallelujah!