When You Feel Afraid, Take Courage

Some fears are good and wise. For example, wise fear takes safety precautions, especially for those in our care. It’s also wise to be fearful when we are guilty. When we confess sin rather than deny it, Jesus cleanses us from unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). Thus empowered, we can be as bold and courageous as a lion.

• When you feel afraid, determine whether your fear is wise and right, or unwise and wrong.
• You may be convinced your fear is wise and right. But remember, the standard for right and wrong is God and what he says in His word, not your fearful ideas and habits. God’s Word is the determining standard as to whether your fear is wise and right, or unwise and wrong.
• There is wonderful healing for wrong fears, and the first step is agreeing with God that those fears are wrong.
• Learn to recognize your habitual fearful thoughts. Battle them and take control over them, by replacing them with God’s sword, the Bible.

God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7

do you fear people?

Fearing that people will let you down or disappoint you reveals you have put your trust in them. On the other hand, if you put your trust in God and fear God, you will be blessed with freedom and courage.

There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts our fear. 1 John 4:18

• Instead of fearing people, seek Scripture to learn how God wants you to love people.
• Trusting God empowers proactive, courageous love, rather than reactive fear.

Do you fear things that have no lasting harm?

Earthly problems will end, as will our bodies. If you fear God, you need not fear death, that is not lasting harm.

I tell you my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him! Luke 12:4-5

• If you make the choice to not fear God, that choice will land you in hell.
• But if you fear God, even if people kill your body, fear not, because they cannot remove the safety that is yours for eternity.

Do you fear things you cannot control?

Accept that there are things you cannot change, and trust that God is in complete control. 

God determined allotted periods of time and boundaries… Acts 17:26

• Fear-filled focus stops you from obeying the sovereign God and causes you to lose control of your thoughts.
• But you do not need to be controlled by fear’s terrifying grip.

when you fear god, you can take courage

• Tell God you will let Him be in control. Confess trying to control what you cannot.
• Think of fearful situations as opportunities to share suffering with Jesus, to imitate Him.
• Admit one responsibility you have neglected because you have obeyed fear instead. Determine to love people enough to fulfill that responsibility.
• Fight fearful thoughts with Scripture. Choose a verse that speaks to your fear, write it on a card, and carry it with you. When fearful thoughts make you feel afraid, read the verse aloud and take courage.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7