Face Your Fears – how to defeat fear with courage
Face your fears! We all have fears. Fear of failure, fear of man, fear of death, fear of rejection, etc. Fear is part of life. It’s a natural reaction to situations or events that threaten or endanger our lives, but unchecked fear can become our biggest obstacle. 2 Timothy 1:7 tells us, “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” We are not to live a life of fear.
It you don’t learn how to defeat fear it will rob you of the joy, peace, and the blessings of life that God has for you. Fear if not defeated, will intimidate and control your life. It takes courage to face your fears. Courage is not the absence of fear; courage is moving ahead in spite of your fear.
3 Biblical Keys for Courage to Face Your Fears
1. Look to the Lord. Psalms 27:1 says, “The LORD is my light and my salvation — whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life — of whom shall I be afraid?” There are many things that can cause fear in life, but none of them hold a candle to the Lord. The phrase “Fear not” is in the Bible 365 times – one for each day. Jesus said, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one.… Behold I am alive forevermore.” (Revelation 1:17)
God is the source of true courage. When we look to the Lord and keep our focus on Him we find the courage to face our fears. Get your eyes off the problem and fix them on Jesus and fear not!
2. Love. “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear …” (1 John 4:18 NIV). When your heart is filled with the love of God there is no place for fear. Let His love fill your heart and expel all fear.
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” (Matthew 12:30) When the love of God rules our life courage fills our heart.
3. Replace Fear with Faith. There is a powerful quote that says, ““Fear knocked at the door. Faith answered. No one was there.” Faith changes everything. Faith is simply trusting God. When we look to the Lord and let love rule our hearts – the spirit of faith rises within.
Faith in God produces courage in our lives because we are confident that He goes with us. Deuteronomy 31:6 says, “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you” Resist fear and choose faith.
Defeat Your Fears
To defeat the fears in life you must face your fears. To face those fears requires courage. Courage comes as you keep your focus on the Lord, loving Him with all your heart, and having faith in God. It takes faith – trusting God… to face your fears. When you face your fears, the thing you fear will turn away from you!
