Conquering Fear with Faith

Have you ever felt fear grip your heart, whispering doubts and anxieties that threaten to paralyze you? Today, we find solace in a powerful truth: the Bible tells us “Fear not" a staggering 366 times – one for each day of the year, including leap year. 

This is a constant reminder that God knows our struggles and offers us His unfailing presence to overcome them.

The Grip of Fear

Fear can be a relentless enemy. It whispers doubts and anxieties, threatening to hold us back. But the Bible acknowledges a healthy reverence for God. This awe and respect are essential for a thriving relationship with Him. It reminds us of His power, majesty, and holiness.

However, there's another kind of fear – a debilitating force that drives us away from God and hinders our purpose in life. It manifests as depression, anxiety, and restlessness, tormenting us spiritually, physically, and mentally.

The Spirit of Fear

Fear is a satanic spirit that the kingdom of darkness uses to advance it’s sinister and wicked agenda on the earth. This spirit is probably the devil’s most terrible weapon to control and to keep the people of the earth in darkness and bondage. One of its strongest appealing [but deceitful] phrases is ‘fear of the unknown.’ In other words, when people do not know the future outcome of a decision or that of a negative event, uncertainty sets in which may lead to fear. 

But 2 Timothy 1:7 NIV says, “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”

The devil uses fear to attack our thoughts, but remember, Satan's power is limited. Christ holds all authority. The devil uses deception; he has nothing to offer you but destruction. God, however, promises us everlasting life and will protect us from this debilitating force. Therefore, we must guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7 tells us: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

The scripture in I John 4:18 reinforces this point: "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."

Overcoming Fear

To overcome fear, we must build our faith in God's word, the antidote to fear. As Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us, we approach God with confidence for mercy and help. Confidence comes from understanding His word and trusting in His promises.

We confront our fears with the authority given to us by Christ. We fight this negative force with God's powerful words. Here are additional strategies:

• Starve the fear. Don't dwell on what you fear.
• Cast down negative thoughts. Replace them with God's truth. Acknowledge your fears but choose to focus on God's truth.
• Engage the blood of the Lamb. Jesus' sacrifice has power over fear. Plead His blood against fear.
• Increase your love for God. The more you love Him, the less you will fear.

Discouragement may arise, but God's protection is ever-present. He will never leave nor forsake His children.

Focus on God, Not Your Circumstances

Don't be swayed by surrounding situations. Focus on God, who is unfailing. We are strengthened in our weaknesses when we rely on His strength. Don't stray from His presence, for His righteous hand upholds us and prevents us from stumbling.

Psalm 46:10 says, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble".

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Transcript

Intro (Upbeat intro music fades)

Hey everyone, Brandy-Nicole here, welcome back to Faith Filter! Your daily dose of scripture that's fresh as your social media feed. Grab your coffee, your phone, or that trusty Bible you keep nearby, because today we're tackling a topic that touches us all: fear.

Have you ever felt fear grip your heart, whispering doubts and anxieties that threaten to paralyze you? Today, we find solace in a powerful truth: the Bible tells us “Fear not" a staggering 366 times – one for each day of the year, including leap year. 

This is a constant reminder that God knows our struggles and offers us His unfailing presence to overcome them.

Conquering Fear with Faith

Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come to you today seeking refuge from fear. As we explore Your word, open our hearts to Your message of comfort and strength. Help us distinguish between a healthy reverence for You and the crippling grip of fear. Grant us the courage to confront our fears and walk the path You have laid out for us. Amen.

The Grip of Fear

Fear can be a relentless enemy. It whispers doubts and anxieties, threatening to hold us back. But the Bible acknowledges a healthy reverence for God. This awe and respect are essential for a thriving relationship with Him. It reminds us of His power, majesty, and holiness.

However, there's another kind of fear – a debilitating force that drives us away from God and hinders our purpose in life. It manifests as depression, anxiety, and restlessness, tormenting us spiritually, physically, and mentally.

The Spirit of Fear

Fear is a satanic spirit that the kingdom of darkness uses to advance it’s sinister and wicked agenda on the earth. This spirit is probably the devil’s most terrible weapon to control and to keep the people of the earth in darkness and bondage. One of its strongest appealing [but deceitful] phrases is ‘fear of the unknown.’ In other words, when people do not know the future outcome of a decision or that of a negative event, uncertainty sets in which may lead to fear. 

Today many people are living in fear of one thing or the other; some are afraid of death, divorce, disappointment, and disease, while others are afraid of saying ‘no’ to wrong friends and other lustful pressures of this world. Some people are afraid of renouncing the occult and coming out of darkness to embrace Christ, even though they know in their hearts that Satan is deceiving them.

But 2 Timothy 1:7 NIV says, “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”

The devil uses fear to attack our thoughts, but remember, Satan's power is limited. Christ holds all authority. The devil uses deception; he has nothing to offer you but destruction. God, however, promises us everlasting life and will protect us from this debilitating force. Therefore, we must guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7 tells us: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

The scripture in I John 4:18 reinforces this point: "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."

Overcoming Fear

To overcome fear, we must build our faith in God's word, the antidote to fear. As Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us, we approach God with confidence for mercy and help. Confidence comes from understanding His word and trusting in His promises.

We confront our fears with the authority given to us by Christ. We fight this negative force with God's powerful words. Here are additional strategies:

• Starve the fear. Don't dwell on what you fear.
• Cast down negative thoughts. Replace them with God's truth. Acknowledge your fears but choose to focus on God's truth.
• Engage the blood of the Lamb. Jesus' sacrifice has power over fear. Plead His blood against fear.
• Increase your love for God. The more you love Him, the less you will fear.

Applying Isaiah 41:10

Matthew 14:26-32 uses Peter as an example:

26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.

27 But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

29 “Come,” he said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

32 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down.

Notice that when Peter’s faith was strong, fear didn't control him, but the minute fear overcame him, he lost His connection to God’s strength.

Applying Isaiah 41:10 means recognizing God's willingness, ability, and readiness to help us. The starting point for a victorious Christian life is building and maintaining a strong faith. A strong faith weakens fear's hold.

Discouragement may arise, but God's protection is ever-present. He will never leave nor forsake His children.

Focus on God, Not Your Circumstances

Don't be swayed by surrounding situations. Focus on God, who is unfailing. We are strengthened in our weaknesses when we rely on His strength. Don't stray from His presence, for His righteous hand upholds us and prevents us from stumbling.

Psalm 46:10 says, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble".

Challenge

Brothers and sisters, fear may knock on our doors, but God's love resides within. Let us actively replace fear with faith, building a fortress around our hearts with His word. Remember, for every day of the year, including the most difficult, God offers us the solace of "fear not." Go forth, then, with confidence and courage, knowing He walks beside you always.

Closing Prayer

Almighty God, thank You for Your unwavering love and support. We confess our fears and anxieties, surrendering them to Your care. Empower us with Your courage to face our challenges and live according to Your will. May Your everlasting presence be our source of strength and peace. Amen.

Outro

Alright everyone, that's a wrap for today on Faith Filter! Remember, the faith journey continues off the air. Keep filtering faith through your world. Hit that follow button and leave a comment below telling me what resonated with you today. Until next time, keep shining your light! Peace out!

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