Joy Comes in the Morning

Fear. What is it? Why do we have it? How do we overcome it?

What is fear?

I think we care much more about how to overcome it than how we define it but let’s define it anyway. There are many definitions of fear, but the one that resonates with me most is ‘a feeling of anxiety concerning the outcome of something‘.

This type of fear has plagued me a lot this year. From moving to Alabama, to finding a new job, the fear of unknown outcomes has, at times, paralyzed me 🙁

 Why do we have fear?

We have fear for two reasons:

1. We live in a fallen, imperfect world. Where there is evil and darkness, there is fear.
2. Because we live in a fallen world, we often take our eyes off of Jesus-the only one that casts out fear.

But we can overcome fear! 🙂

How do we overcome fear?

One day at a time. Sometimes, one very small step at a time. 

I’m not really a fan of change, so moving to a new place and having to start over in my career has been very difficult. There have been so many unknowns that recently I sat down and made a very real and honest list of my fears.

After I wrote down down each and every fear, I didn’t even have time to dwell on them because God said,” So here is what you don’t know, now let Me show you what you do know”.

Scripture after Scripture came flooding to my mind. My spirit was instantly lifted and comforted reading these words of truth and hope. I even looked up references of fear in the concordance of my Bible and found some new favorite verses.

I encourage you to do the same! Whatever fears you may be having right now, write them down. Be real. Be honest. Be vulnerable before God.

Then open your Bible and pray. Ask God to replace the fears in your heart and mind with the truths in His Word. Just be sure to have a pen and paper ready!

What current fears do you have in your life? How are you working to overcome them?

Here are the verses He showed me to remind me that I am not alone and that He is for me 🙂

“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity(fear), but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.”  2 Timothy 1:7

“God is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.” Ephesians 3:20

“For I know the plans I have for,” declares the Lord,” plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6

“So do not fear, for I am with you;do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

“For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear; I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13

“I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4