Triumph Over Giants From Within (4) - Fear

Believers will also face times of fear. I am not talking about phobias, such as a fear of heights, a fear of being trapped in an enclosed place, or even a fear of wide open spaces. I am referring to those fears that bring dread to the hearts of God¡¦s children; a loss of peace; doubt about the heavenly Father¡¦s love; destruction of our faith, and even causes us to turn away from God. In days past ten scouts were sent to spy on the good land of Canaan. Because they were frightened when they saw the giant Anak tribesmen and the large and fortified city walls, they brought a negative report to the people, so that fear struck the entire Israelite multitude. They grumbled against God and refused to trust in the Lord who had led them along the way every day. So they were punished and wandered in the wilderness for 40 years. (Numbers 13-14, Deuteronomy 1:19-40) We can see then that the psychological reaction of fear can spread very quickly in a crowd. Fear and distrust are dual sins, often connected together, that not only generate a loss of internal peace, but will cause the loss of God¡¦s grace. It¡¦s also like Saul and the Israelite army averting battle out of fear when they saw the Philistinian giant Goliath. (1 Samuel 17) In those days the people were terrified because of the giant Anak tribesmen and Goliath. Today we will also generate fear when experiencing difficult circumstances. Yet God wishes that His children will be able to overcome these giants that create fear.

To triumph over this giant from within ¡V fear ¡V I have the following aspects from the bible to share with everyone:

1. Confront your inner fear, use a spirit of reliance on God to face it, and don¡¦t try to evade it. Of course I am not proposing creating panic for oneself, cultivating and developing a seedling of fear without reason. But if fear the giant does arrive, you should face it with honesty and not run away. ¡§When I am afraid, I will trust in you.¡¨ (Psalm 56:3) If you cannot confront it alone, you can articulate your inner fear to a pastor or a spiritually mature member, so that they can share your burden and intercede with prayer.

2. Admit your inner fear to God. A long-held fear is a demonstration of disbelief in God. Not believing is a sin, so you must confess your sin to God. For the Lord has said, ¡§Don¡¦t be afraid, just believe.¡¨ (Mark 5:36) Perhaps you are unable to control the feeling of dread yourself, but you can use your will to submit to God¡¦s word and seek his help. ¡§I sought the Lord, and He answered me, He delivered me from all my fears.¡¨ (Psalm 34:4)

3. Redeem God¡¦s promises. Fear generates despair and disappointment, grumbles against God and forgetfulness of God¡¦s promises. I suggest that everyone write the precious promises of God on small cards, and leave them at different places in the home, such as on the refrigerator door, bathroom mirror, desk, dining table, bedroom door etc. Prepare for your weak self more opportunities to see God¡¦s words, in order to remind yourself that one belongs to God and is His beloved child, so that you will not be conquered by fear. The following are some of God¡¦s precious promises: Deuteronomy 32:10, Psalm 23:4, 27:1-5, 91:1-7, Isaiah 41:10, 44:8, 49:16, Matthew 6:26.

4. Deepen knowledge and experience of the love of God. From the Bible we know that the opposite of fear is love. ¡§There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.¡¨ (1 John 4:18) Just like a child who awakens suddenly from a nightmare, the mother will embrace him in her bosom, and profusely offer comfort and loving concern. We who believe in Christ and are saved must not forget that we belong to God and are in His hands. For God has promised, ¡§I give them eternal life and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.¡¨ (John 10:28) Dear brothers and sisters, let us pursue more understanding of that long, wide and deep love of God through the bible, so that we will not be overcome by fear.

By: Daniel To