You Need to Do This if You Want to Be Fearless
“Be afraid. Be very afraid.” (The Movie – The Fly, 1986)
Those words have been repeated again and again. And even if the actual quote isn’t being reiterated . . . it can seem like there is an intentional effort by the enemy to overwhelm us all with anxiety and fear.
If you’re a frequent visitor here at CMB, you know that I’ve spent much of my life under a cloud of fear and apprenhension.
I’ve talked with many of you and know I’m not unique . . . nor is this something that is new to our generation.
The first emotion Adam and Eve experienced after eating the forbidden fruit was fear, and because of sin and the tauntings of the enemy, we’re still struggling thousands of years later.
But, if it’s a given, if it’s inevitable, if it’s something we just have to live with . . . why did Jesus say, “Don’t be afraid,” so often?
He never just tossed around pie in the sky platitudes; He spoke the truth and He gave reasons. And these reasons are just some of the promises He told His followers to hold close to their hearts . . . assurances to give them and all of us courage and hope.
Don’t be afraid – you are valuable to the Father. Matthew 10:31
Don’t be afraid – but take courage, I am with you. Mark 6:50
Don’t be afraid – just have faith. Mark 5:36
Don’t be afraid – it makes your Father happy to give you the kingdom. Luke 12:32
Don’t be afraid – or troubled, I’m leaving you the gift of peace. John 14:27
My Life with Fear and Anxiety
Years ago, my doctor diagnosed me with high anxiety depression. I was afraid of almost everything. Everything except the number one thing on the list of common fears. I’ve never been afraid of public speaking.
But my list of other things was long. I was afraid of:
- Heights
- Flying
- Rejection
- Abandonment
- Failure
- Death
- Death of a Loved One
- the Dark
- Illness
- Disapproval
Yeah, I was just a bundle of joy to be around!
Here are a few examples my family still talks about:
As a teen, I once had to get off a glass elevator because my fear of heights kicked in. Another time, Rev and I hiked for hours on one of our romantic getaways because I was afraid to get back on a gondola for the 15-minute ride down a mountain. (Yes, we walked down a mountain. Thankfully there was a path and it was a beautiful day. Just not the day we planned.)
And I didn’t get on an airplane for years after a flight where the pilot shouted, “Take your seats now,” just before the plane rocked with the worst turbulence I’d ever experienced.
The other things on my list of fears were frequent visitors. Thankfully, I’m much better. I can get on an airplane and ride in elevators. I’m no longer afraid of rejection or abandonment. And the others don’t linger like they once did, but I’m still not consistently where I want to be.
If I could live my life over, I’d spend less time afraid and worried. Though I may not be able to undo my past years of fear; with God’s help, I’m changing my future and I believe you can change yours too.
How?
Well, It all begins with the fear of the Lord!
I know that seems like a contradiction. It sounds like I’m just replacing one fear with another.
But the fear of the Lord leads to freedom. It trusts that He is sovereign. It has faith that His Word is Truth and His ways are best.
Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.
Proverbs 9:10
The Lord is a friend to those who fear Him.
Psalm 25:14
He teaches them His covenant.
Did you know the verse right Proverbs 3:5-6, the verse that tells you and me to “trust the Lord” and “seek His will” and that promises “He will show you (and me) the path to take,” says…
Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom.
Proverbs 3:7–8
Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
Then you will have healing for your body
and strength for your bones.
I want that! I want courage and strength! I want to trust God and follow His will. Because I’ve learned that is the way to be fearless.
When I fear God—I trust Him with my day today and my future tomorrow.
I use the tools God gives me to surrender my anxious and fearful feelings to Him.
That’s the reason I’ve made a list for myself because well . . . when you’ve had a problem with fear for as long as I have, it can be easy to slip back into old patterns. But I’ve found that when I follow these steps I enjoy the freedom and peace I’ve always wanted.
And I believe they will help you too…
10 Steps to Be Fearless and Enjoy Freedom and Peace
- Identify your fear – Name it. Know the source and reason you’re afraid. (Psalm 94:19)
- Ask yourself if it’s true – Check the facts. Is it a reality or a possibility. (John 8:31–32)
- Pray about it – Ask God to take your fear and tell Him that you trust Him with your future. (Psalm 34:4)
- Imagine positive outcomes – Remember that God is able to turn even things intended to harm us into something good. (Genesis 50:20)
- Change your surroundings – Do something to redirect your thoughts. (Philippians 4:8)
- Accept that you can’t control everything but that the God who loves you can and does. (Jeremiah 29:11)
- Limit the things that trigger your fear, like the news and social media. (Romans 12:2)
- Understand the where, what, and why of your fear. (Psalm 119:34)
- Memorize Bible verses to replace fearful thoughts. (See List of Verses)
- Get a “freedom from fear” friend – Someone to call who encourages you with God’s love. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
Verses to Hold Close When You Want to Be Fearless
I cried out, “I am slipping!” but your unfailing love, O Lord, supported me. When doubts [and fear] filled my mind, Your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.
Psalm 94:18–19
Jesus said to the people who believed in Him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
John 8:31–32
I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears.
Psalm 34:4
You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good.
Genesis 50:20a
Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
Philippians 4:8
For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 29:11
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.
Romans 12:2a
Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions;
Psalm 119:34
I will put them into practice with all my heart.
For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.
1 Thessalonians 5:9,11
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
Isaiah 41:10
“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”
John 14:27
If you’re tired of living with fear. If you’re tired of sacrificing your peace, contentment, and joy at the altar of anxiety. There is hope!
With God’s help you can be fearless. You can trade your fear of the world’s trouble and problems for the fear of the Lord that leads to freedom. That’s the love of God! He invites us to surrender our brokenness to Him and He replaces it with His goodness and grace. It just doesn’t get any better than that.
Hello
Thank you for sharing and for your blog. Your words resonate with my own personal bring. It is good news to see; that with a change in thoughts and with faith, if we do have fears/anxieties; there is hope for a better life.
Amen, Faith! Thanks for visiting and for blessing me with your kind encouragement. God be with you!
I am so blessed with your teaching of fear and anxiety
What a gift and outstanding revelation the Spirit of God has released to us through you
I thank God so much
You really made my day
It’s battle to me to overcome this fear that sometimes left me hopeless
Now l am energized and prepared to face trials with my Saviour who fights my battles
Glory to God
And may the Lord bless you protect you smile on you ,be gracious to you ,show you His favor and bless you with His
This world needs somebody like 24/7
Hallelujah
Thanks for sharing your battles with fear, Deb – that takes courage! Yes, the only fear that is good is the fear of the Lord, and when we turn to Him to quell our fears, He reminds us of how much we are loved, giving us His peace.
Blessings!
I appreciate your kindness, Martha! Oh, we need the fear that leads to freedom. Praise God, He is able to give it to us. God bless you, my friend!
You and I have our heads and hearts in the same places, Deb! My post is based on Adam and Eve (well, starting out about Eve) and going on to learn more from their story. But I’ve also been studying in David’s psalms where the fear of the Lord is so prominently pursued. I’m working on choosing to fear God before I ever push the panic button! Thanks for this encouraging word! You know I’ll be pinning for sure!
I’m not sure I understand “fear the Lord” concept.
My understanding of the “fear of the Lord” is that the believer would reject pride and self-righteousness to humbly honor and respect God for who He is. It is trusting that He is Almighty God, Creator, our Savior, and Judge. It is having respect, reverence, and awe for His power and authority but rather than leading us to be afraid . . . it leads us to love Him. I hope that helps.
Thanks, Beth! I think the Lord is directing many of us to this subject. It is everywhere right now! But praise God, He is greater than our fears. Nothing is new to Him. Thanks so much for your kindness, Beth. God bless you!
I feel that there is so much chaos and turmoil out there and unjust reporting that the suggestion of turning off the corruption of the social media and news is a very helpful tip. I pray every morning and through out the day for strength and wisdom and it helps a great deal. I took down my Facebook page and have never tweeted and have stopped watching the news because I cant process it without being angry and it takes my energy from doing good things and redirects it to unhealthy emotions.
I like your approach, Tandra! I have to be very careful about the things I allow to fill my mind. If I want to stay fearless, I have to focus on what is true and lovely. His Word reminds me of the things that are truly important and lasting . . . the rest is all just a blink. Thanks so much for visiting! God bless you!
Thank you ???????? for the inspirational thoughts and verses. I’ve always felt like a stranger in my earthly family. There is very little genuine love and caring towards each other, I have many of the same fears you listed, fear of abandonment, lack of honest love, emotional abuse. I find comfort in reading the articles you write and especially the words of Jesus. I’m 69 yrs old and still hoping my family will miraculously change their behavior toward me. Maybe my prayers will never be answered.
I’m sorry, Jacquelyn. Our earthly families can leave us with emotional scars that are difficult to bear. I will pray for you and your family and ask God to flood you with His love and deliver you from all your fear. God bless you!
I’ve felt so what as a stranger in my family and times, too, Jacqueline. Saying extra prayers for your, your family and others s like our families. Glad we have God/Jesus , the Holy Spirit and Blessed Mother Mary to be the head of our spiritual family. We are not lost if we have the love of the Holy Trinity and the Blessed Mother Mary.
Thank you Deb for your words of encouragement. May God continue to grant you supernatural blessings and favour. God has not given us the spirit of fear but of power and of love and of a sound mind..2nd Timothy ch 1v7. God’s Word is always yes and Amen. Praise the Lord.
Thank you so much, Martha! Clinging to His Word and holding on to Him in prayer got me through some really difficult times. Thanks so much for visiting and for stopping to join the conversation. God bless you!
Thank you so much Deb. It is funny I have been drawn to so many godly women who are named Deb. I appreciate your godly advice and insights. May God bless this ministry.
My mom and dad went straight to the O.T. for my name. My maiden name was Deborah Ruth Samuel. My husband always says he came along and ruined a really great name. I’m glad he did! 🙂 Thanks for visiting and for your kind encouragement. God be with you!
Thank you so much for sharing your struggles, it gives me hope that someday I will be free of some of the ones that have plagued me since childhood. I feel guilty that I need constant reminders that God is always with me and will never forsake me and I simply need to trust him with my whole heart. God Bless you.????????♥️
Be patient with yourself, Vicky. I struggled for so very long. God allowed me to live through some of my greatest fears to finally show me that He is indeed greater than my fears! Now I typically remind myself of all the things God’s gotten me through when I’m tempted by feelings of fear. I can promise you that He will walk with you through whatever He allows. Thanks for visiting and for blessing me with encouragement. God be with you!
So amazing. Our son struggles with fear of his Epilepsy. He is 11, and he is having an incredibly hard time sleeping in his own room. He sleeps on our floor. He worries because his seizures happen during sleep. This devotion and prayer came at just the right time. God is amazing how he answers our prayers. What are the chances that my inbox would have just the right reading for our current fear. Thank you for your beautifully written excerpt at just the right time. The 10 Steps to overcoming fear will work. Our son and the family need to put the steps into action. Thank you again. God bless you!
Oh, Melissa, your comment touched my heart. I am praying for your son and asking God to give him the courage, strength, and healing he desires. Thank you so much for letting me know this blessed you! Praying the 10 Steps encourage him and help him get over his fear. God bless you!
I apprecaite your thoughts on overcoming fear and anxiety by having the right fear. You have a wealth of Bible verses to pull from and I like that.
I’m so glad it blessed you, Patricia. Thank you so much!
An enjoyable read! I have been coping with PTSD since suffering a traumatic event in childhood that has led to a life filled with anxiety as well. My fear all centered around being left alone. I found freedom with the help of my Christian counselors. One helpful strategy I was taught was to look up scriptures on comfort and write them on notecards to take out and read whenever I felt anxious. Those reassuring reminders of God’s presence helped me overcome. Your list is will be added to my repertoire; it is so comforting to know that there is a list of action steps that I can do to take back control of fear. Thank you! ????????????
Hi, Robyn. I can relate to so much of what you wrote. I’m glad you too have been blessed by the encouragement of Christian counselors. Thank you so much for visiting and for the blessing of your kind encouragement. May God continue to bless and encourage you as you walk with Him.
Hello Deb,
I hope this finds you well?
Your message came to me just when I needed to hear it the most. I’ve been up most of the night, struggling with my fears……the enemy was working overtime on me, trying to get me paralysed, thus taking my focus off God. My brother and mother are both in different hospitals at the same time and I feel overwhelmed with ongoing responsibility. I also have fear of losing my home and my relationship with my husband is practically non existent. My heart aches! I do not understand why all this pain and suffering that’s been going on for many years without a breakthrough. Then I read your article…..God bless you Deb for your insights and inspiring quotes from scripture. Our fear of the Lord is the only fear to have. He who loves us dearly, will cast away all our fears, when we give them to him, trusting in the outcome, even when we do not see a clear path. When we cast our burdens upon Him, He will shine His light on us. He replaces our anxiety with His peace. He works out all the bad stuff for us and will show us a way out from all our troubles, when we abandon ourselves to His mercy. Thank you Deb for shining His light on me today! Alleluia……..Amen!
Best wishes,
Angela – Ireland
I’m so sorry, Angela! You have so much going on in your life. I am praying for you and your family. I have spent so many sleepless nights struggling with fear. May God help you get the rest you need and may He hold you close when life seems overwhelming. And may He grant your family restored health. God be with you!
Thanks Deb for sharing yourself andyour fears. Love the scriptures a great resource for future reference(if needed). When i was battling breast cancer psalm 91 was my lifeline, God’s my secret place, my hiding place nobody can get to me when I’m there.
Thank you, Connie! I appreciate your kindness. You’re right, nothing can touch us when we are hiding in His grace and love. Blessings!
Deb, I have followed you on Pinterest for a while now, but I’m sad to say today is the first time I visited your blog. What a mistake it was not to visit sooner. I love it! Your writing is similar to mine for my blog and so your words really resonated with me. Are you Texan, like me?
Thanks for all the hard work you do to share God’s precious Word!
Rhonda
Rhonda, your comment made my day! I love it and I’m so glad you visited. I’m not a Texan . . . but close I’m in Missouri. Raised in Michigan and then St. Louis for year . . . now we’re retired in Kansas City. Thanks so much for blessing me with your kind encouragement. I hope you’re having a wonderful day!
GREAT Blog Deb ???? I Know the Bible tells Us NOT to FEAR ???? or WORRY, But It’s So hard When You’re Human AND sometimes your caring For a Sick Relative /Parent . And Sometimes it’s a HEALTH problem that strikes us .????But G-d♥️ Is control AND Said HE Will NEVER LEAVE or Forsake us . He’s ALWAYS FAITHFUL ❗️Thank You For Sharing????G-d♥️Bless
Thanks, Cheri! It is hard not to worry at times. I’m trying to remember to quickly lay those concerns at the throne of grace trusting the Lord to sustain me and give me the strength I need today. God bless you!