Combat Fear with God's Word and Prayer

Introduction

We live in a world where fear has become normal due to the current state of affairs. What if we could live a fearless life amidst all the trouble around us? It is possible. Today, we will talk about fear and how to combat it with God's Word.

The Consequences of Fear

There is an account of how the 12 Israelite spies went to scout the Promised Land. Ten of them brought back evil reports, saying, "The people were like giants in the land. We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes" (Numbers 13:33). This report instilled fear in the Israelites, leading them to complain against God and wish they had stayed and died in Egypt or the wilderness. They doubted God, and as a result of their fear, they never stepped foot in the Promised Land. The only two people who left Egypt and entered the Promised Land were those who were not afraid and had their full trust in God: Caleb and Joshua.

The story of Peter highlights the difference between fear and courage. In Matthew 14:22-33, the disciples saw Jesus walking on the water while they were in a boat. They were frightened, thinking He was a ghost, but Jesus said to them, "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." Peter asked Jesus to call him to walk on the water too, if He was truly the One. Jesus beckoned him to come, and Peter stepped out of the boat and began to walk on water. This was a miracle, but it happened because Peter had courage and faith in Jesus.

However, when Peter became aware of the wind and waves around him, fear overtook him, and he began to sink. Jesus reached out His hand, caught him, and asked, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" Jesus did not say, "Well done for trusting in me for the first five minutes." God wants us to put our full faith and trust in Him amidst the storms. It can be difficult because, like Peter, Jesus' presence did not eliminate the storm; rather, His presence was meant to help him sail through victoriously.

Most of us, like Peter, quickly default to fear. We forget all the promises the Lord has given us, allowing the storms of life to turn our trust in God into worry and complaints. Today, let's explore biblical ways to maintain our focus, faith, and courage in God amidst the storm, knowing that His presence helps us overcome.

Understanding Fear

The first thing to note is that fear is a spirit from the devil. The first mention of fear in the Bible occurs in the account of Adam and Eve after they disobeyed God. When God came to commune with them, they had hidden themselves. When God called out to them, they responded, "I heard you walking in the garden, so I hid. I was afraid because I was naked" (Genesis 3:10, NLT). Sin brought a package that included fear and separation from God, and fear has persisted in our world ever since.

2 Timothy 1:7 describes fear as a spirit: "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." Proverbs 29:25 describes fear as a dangerous trap. Fear is not from God, and He commands us not to fear. Isaiah 41:10 states, "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be frightened, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Let us not view fear as normal, even though the circumstances in our lives may give us cause to be afraid. Fear is from the devil. Interestingly, the things we fear can indeed happen to us if we allow fear to rule over our faith and trust in God.

Like Peter, fear was not his initial response to the storm; we saw the miracle in his life because he focused on Jesus amidst the storm. However, when his focus shifted, his fears manifested. Isn't it amazing that putting our full trust in God through numerous storms can grant us victory? Yes, it is remarkable, yet often, we revert to worry and complaints after a time of trust when we see no change.

Strengthening Our Faith

This is why we need to pray for the Lord to help us increase our faith in Him rather than decrease it when we face storms and challenges. Our faith can grow through constant devotion to prayer and meditation on the Word of God. When we pray, we are strengthened in spirit. Prayer is a defensive weapon against the enemy while studying and meditating on the Word of God serves as an offensive weapon against the enemy. 

Matthew 26:41 (NIV):

"Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."

Ephesians 6:17 (NIV): "Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."

Much of the warfare occurs in our minds, thoughts, and hearts.

I will leave you with some of my favorite verses that can help combat fear:

• Proverbs 29:25: "The fear of the Lord will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe."
• Philippians 4:6 (NIV): "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."
• Isaiah 41:10: "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be frightened, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
• Psalm 27:1 (NIV): "The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?"
• 1 Peter 5:7: "Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you."
• Joshua 1:9: "This is my command: Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
• Matthew 28:18-20:
  18 Jesus came and told His disciples, "I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.
  19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
  20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

All scriptures are in the New Living Translation unless otherwise noted.

Meditating on these scriptures will drive fear away and strengthen our faith in God. I pray the Lord meets each of us at the point of our needs and helps us to fully trust in Him at all times.