Both fear and anxiety are emotions that all humans experience. By default and from a biological standpoint, fear was meant to be a survival mechanism.
For instance, if peradventure a man finds himself in the middle of the road and in front of a speeding vehicle, the mechanism of fear is suppose to get triggered so as to enable him scamper back into safety.
The natural mechanism of fear was deposited in man for good. But the fear that God hates goes beyond this.
Fear is an emotion that should be put in check (just like every other emotion). But as humans, we sometimes allow this emotion to get out of hand, run wild and negatively impact our daily life. This is what God doesn't want for us.
The Fear Of The Lord
This is a godly kind of fear; it should not be confused with the natural fear—which can possibly run wild if not put in check. The fear of the Lord is reverence for God.
Proverbs 9:10 KJVThe fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
Proverbs 8:13 KJVThe fear of the Lord is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.
Anxiety vs Fear
Anxiety is the product of fear that has been let loose. It is an advanced stage of fear which is also very destructive. Some symptoms of anxiety include:
- Nervousness
- Restlessness
- Feeling insecure
- Increased heart rate
- Difficulty concentrating, etc.
Do you think this is the way a Christian should be? Being this way definitely isn't God's will for us.
When Fear Becomes Destructive
Like I earlier said, the natural type of fear can be a survival mechanism. But at times, fear goes beyond this. There is even a spiritual form of fear and there is a spirit of fear.
2 Timothy 1:7 KJVFor God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
This kind fear often stems from man's lack of faith and trust in God. The resultant effect is often anxiety; restlessness, worry, and insecurity.
The destructive kind of fear (coupled with anxiety) can make people lose concentration and motivation to do anything. This kind of fear cripples.
Fear is one of the most effective weapons of the enemy against the people of God. When we project fear, we are telling the enemy that our God is not powerful enough to take care of us. This often gives the enemy an edge over people. So do not give Satan the power that he doesn't deserve!
We are victorious and unstoppable, but a Christian who lives in fear lives in worries and is anxious just about everything. Such a Christian chooses to live a defeated life. It is time to end living that way!
What Does God Say About Fear And Anxiety
Several times in scriptures, our Lord Jesus mentioned and spoke about the destructive kind of fear and why we shouldn't have it:
Matthew 10:28-31 KJVAnd fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. [29] Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. [30] But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. [31] Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.
Mark 5:35-36 KJVWhile he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue's house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further? [36] As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe.
"Fear not" appears 365 times in the Bible! We can take each of them as a daily dose. Each day, remind yourself that God tells you not to fear today. Then watch the effect that has upon your life!
Isaiah 41:10 KJVFear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
The Lord has assured us of His help and our safety—that no evil can befall us without His knowledge and consent. Since God is all-knowing, it is pointless to live in fear of the unknown.
What The Bible Says About Anxiety And Fear
The Bible makes us understand that God's got us (always)! If we are His, there is no need to live in fear of anything. God neither sleeps nor slumbers (Psalm 121:4); He keeps active watch over us day and night. We can trust Him. We can trust that we are safe in His hands. He is there in our tomorrow even before we step in it; we can entrust Him with our future!
Philippians 4:6 BSBBe anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Matthew 6:25-26,30 KJVTherefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? [26] Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? [30] Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
Instead of living in fear, let's always choose to make our requests known to God. If there is a thing that bothers of mind, let's learn the habit of offloading it at His feet. What we will gain in return is peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:6).
Prayer Against Fear
- Thank You Father for the promises of safety in You which You have given to me in Your Word.
- Thank You Lord Jesus for Your hand of protection and provision upon my life. I will take no thought concerning tomorrow but trust You, knowing that You will always provide for me.
- Father, now I know and believe that my future is safe in Your hands. With this knowing, I can face tomorrow because You are already there and in control.
- I decree and declare that I will not fear the unknown. For my days are in God's hands and nothing takes Him by surprise. He will keep me safe and evil shall never befall me without His knowledge.
- Today, I choose to let go of every form of fear and anxiety that has be tormenting my mind. I declare that I am free from their influence in Jesus Name. Amen!
- By the authority of Jesus Christ, I bind and return to the pit of Hell every spirit of fear that had been assigned to torment me. I end your assignment in my life Now, in Jesus Mighty Name!
- I plead the Blood of Jesus Christ over my mind. Purge me from every fearful and anxious thought that had been plaguing mind, in Jesus Name.
- Holy Spirit of God, empower and enable me to fix my gaze on the Lord every day of my life, so as to experience His peace. Amen!
- I hand over the control of my mind to the Holy Spirit. Every further projections of fearful thoughts from the spirit of fear against me shall prove abortive, in Jesus Mighty Name!
- Father, I ask that You increase my faith and enable me to get rid of my worries, so I can trust more in You. Amen!
Final Thoughts On Fear And Anxiety
Most times, fear and anxiety arises from faithlessness and our inability to fix our gaze on God (but on all that is going on around us). The Lord promises peace to everyone who will learn to keep their mind stayed on Him!
Isaiah 26:6 ESVYou keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
Philippians 4:7 KJVAnd the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
If you were blessed reading this prayer article, remember to share with as many as you can.
God bless you!
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