To continue the series on renewing the mind, I want to help you understand that you can overcome fear. You really can!
You may have said to yourself, “It is just too much” or “I don’t see how it’s possible.” You need to renew your mind to believe it is possible to overcome fear. It may feel impossible, but with God, all things are possible (Matthew 19:26).
Too many times, fear screams so loud and rears it’s ugly head, and we so often respond to the fear. We give in. We obey the fear. But, here’s how the Bible encourages us to stand against this “roaring lion”:
“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)
Fear is just a voice, a roaring voice in your mind that exaggerates. When the devil lies to us and tries to create fear, we should stand against those lies. Listen how the very next verse encourages us on how to respond to those fearful threats:
“Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are.” (v. 9)
Words like “stand firm” and “be strong” imply that you can do this. If you need more strength, remember those who are going through the same kind of suffering. The Bible would not have said to “stand firm” and “be strong” if you couldn’t do those things.
1 Corinthians 10:13 confirms that we will not be given a situation beyond what we can bear:
“The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.”
According to this verse, you will always have a “way out so that you can endure”. This is a great promise from God!
I know how unbearable fear and panic can feel at times. When your body responds with heart palpitations, your breathing gets shallow and your hands and feet start tingling, it can feel incredibly overwhelming. But, you can rest in the truth of God’s promises and not give in to the fear. You can “stand still and see the salvation of God” (Exodus 14:13).
The key to overcoming fear is to look to Christ. He is your salvation–not just for heaven, but for life here on earth as well. Listen carefully to the words of Jesus:
“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (John 16:31)
In a very straightforward way, Jesus said we will have “many trials and sorrows.” But, I’m so glad he didn’t stop there. “Take heart!” he said. Be encouraged. Why? Because he overcame the world. If you want to overcome fear, look to Jesus. Let him guide you in every area of your life. Put your trust in him. When you are afraid, when your heart starts racing, when your mind spins out of control, say to yourself, “Lord, I will not respond to this fear. I will trust you. You have overcome the world, and my faith is in you.”
He will carry you through those fearful times!
Prayer: Father, help me renew my mind so that I may know I can overcome any fear that roars against me. I put all my trust in you.
