How Can We Overcome Fear with Faith?

Fear is a universal human experience that can significantly impact our lives and our relationship with God. It acts as a barrier, pulling us away from God's intended plan for our lives or drawing us closer to Him, depending on how we respond.

When we allow fear to govern our thoughts and actions, we may unknowingly run from God, seeking solace in a synthetic environment or some emotional validation through false identities. However, living in fear does not have to be a reality.

Our faith plays a big part in overcoming the fears that tend to entangle us on a daily basis. By embracing our faith and seeking God's truth, we can overcome fear and experience a deeper connection within our relationship with Jesus.

As we discuss this subject, we will explore why fear is a problem, its impact on our relationship with God, the consequences of living in fear, and three practical steps to overcome it through our faith, grounded in Biblical wisdom.

The Problem: Fear and its Impacts

Fear is a problem that affects people from all walks of life. It can take the shape of many various forms, such as anxiety about the future, fear of failure, worries about inadequacy, and a number of debilitating thoughts. Left unaddressed, fear can become a pervasive force, hindering us from stepping into our true identity and God's purpose for our lives.

While fear itself is a natural response to uncertainty, prolonged fear can create a wedge in our relationships with others and with God. When we allow this emotion to dominate our thoughts and actions, it undermines our trust in God's sovereignty, His promises, and His love. Instead of leaning on Him, we might become consumed with worry and self-reliance, distancing ourselves from the source of true strength and peace. This typically happens when we have a distorted view of God and ourselves.

Sometimes, our fear can also serve as a catalyst that drives us closer to God. When we are able to recognize our vulnerabilities and limitations, this will often lead us to seek guidance in prayer and direction in God's Word, which provides a refuge in His presence, finding comfort and reassurance in His unconditional love.

When we allow fear to drive us away from God, it stems from questioning His plan and goodness. Confronted with difficulties, we may try to face them alone, disregarding the need for God's guidance and wisdom, we become our own source of truth. During fearful times, we may create distance between ourselves and God, either believing we don't deserve His grace or feeling ashamed of our struggles.

The Bible is packed with examples of individuals who experienced fear and tried to run from God's call. Jonah, for instance, was called to preach to the Ninevites, but he allowed fear and anger to lead him in the opposite direction. However, even in his attempt to flee, God pursued Jonah, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to us, even when we run from Him.

Amid fear, we may also seek emotional validation through synthetic environments like emotionally driven worship experiences. While heartfelt worship is essential, relying solely on emotional responses can be precarious and dangerous. Feeling distant from God does not equate to His absence. Emotions can be deceptive, but God's presence is constant. As the Bible reminds us in Hebrews 13:5b-6,

“I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU," 6so that we confidently say, "THE LORD IS MY HELPER, I WILL NOT BE AFRAID. WHAT WILL MAN DO TO ME?”

Therefore, we must anchor ourselves in God's truth rather than fleeting emotions.

The desire for emotional validation is innate within us, but when we can't feel God's presence in our emotions, we might mistakenly believe that He is distant or unresponsive.

During such times, we need to hold on to the unchanging truth of God's Word and trust that His promises stand firm, regardless of our feelings. Just because we may not "feel" God present doesn't mean He isn't there.

The Bible reminds us that God is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18). It is in these moments of vulnerability that we can experience God's comfort and peace the most, even when our emotions may tell a different story.

Living in fear can lead to stagnation and a lack of spiritual growth. When we allow fear to control our lives, we miss out on God's transformative power. It hinders us from embracing new opportunities, fulfilling our potential, and walking confidently on the path God has set before us.

Moreover, living in fear can foster a sense of isolation and disconnection from God and others. Fear thrives in solitude, and when we wallow in our anxieties, we may feel distant from God's love and the support of a loving community.

The story of the Israelites in the wilderness provides a vivid example of the consequences of living in fear. Despite witnessing God's miraculous deliverance from Egypt, fear led them to doubt God's provision and guidance. Their fear culminated in wandering in the desert for forty years, missing the promise of entering the Promised Land. What are the things in your life that are keeping you from receiving the promises God has for you?

Conquering Fear Through Faith: 3 Practical Steps