“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but a spirit of power and of love and of sound judgement and personal discipline (abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self- control).” (2 Timothy 1:7) Paul encourages Timothy and us that we should live our lives with courage and boldness.
What is fear? Definition of fear (Oxford Dictionary of Nursing) is an emotional state evoked by threat of danger. It is usually characterized by unpleasant subjective experiences; physiological changes, e.g. increased heart rate and sweating; and behavioural changes, such as avoidance of fear-producing objects or situations.
The Greek word for fear, “deilia” (di-lee-ah) = cowardice or timidity. When fear takes over, the victim becomes paralyzed and ineffective – not because he doesn’t have power, but because he stops taking action. He becomes unable to do God’s will, because he shies away from the impending sense of threat or danger whether it is real or imagined.
The Spirit of fear does not come from God. God is never afraid, cowardly, fearful, nervous, shy, timid or worried about anything and because His Holy Spirit is living inside of you, neither should you fear. As believers we often have an internal struggle when we focus on our abilities or the potential threats that lie ahead. This results in fear. However, if we are constantly being filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18) then He will help us overcome the spirit of fear.
Fear or timidity can be a normal human emotion especially when you consider the circumstances. God never tells anyone to be fearless. In Luke chapter 1 the angel Gabriel, told Mary not to fear. If you are facing a bad diagnosis, an uncertain future, a job loss, financial challenges, persecution or if you are stepping out into a new ministry…fear or timidity may arise. God does not expect you to pretend to be fearless, but you also don’t have to be overcome by fear. His Word often encourages His people to fear not. There are almost enough “fear nots” in the Bible for each day of the year.
God made us and He knows our human character and emotions. “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10) “For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear; I will help you.” (Isaiah 41:13) These two verses in Isaiah carried me through my exams at High School and Medical School, and through every challenge I met as a young qualified medical doctor, from delivering and resuscitating premature and new born babies to treating critically ill patients in ER.
How do we conquer fear? I want to challenge you to an easy five step (A-E) response to conquer fear in your life.
A – Accept – catch the ball. Acknowledge and admit your fear. Like you would catch a ball, take hold of that ball of fear. Unless you take ownership of a problem, you will never be able to deal with it.
B – Bounce it to Jesus. The second thing you need to do is to bounce or cast that ball of fear to Jesus. “Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7) Everything you fear, everything you worry about, everything which makes you anxious or nervous, give it all to Jesus. He is for you and not against you. Most importantly, He is already waiting for you to bounce that ball to Him. When fear hits you, immediately start praying.
C – Catch His gift – be filled with the Holy Spirit. Jesus will never bounce a ball of fear back into your face. Allow His Living Water to flow over you and fill you. The disciples overcame their fear not by trying harder in their own strength, but by growing in faith. They were constantly being filled with power and strength from the Holy Spirit who enabled them to overcome every fear they faced. “And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 13:52) Jesus promises in John 14:16 that His Holy Spirit is our comforter and helper and that He will help us when we need Him.
D – Dare to trust. “When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.” (Ps. 56:3)
Once you have accepted your fear, cast/ throw it to Jesus and be filled with His Holy Spirit. The only thing left to do, is to trust Him. He has promised that even if you walk through fire, you will not be burned (Isaiah 43:2) and when you walk through the valley of the shadow of death, He will be with you (Ps. 23:4).
E – Exchange fear for hope. Know that fear will come but be reminded that there is One greater who lives inside of you, the Holy Spirit of God! By His power, strength and boldness you will be able to overcome any fear. You will be able to do what God has called you to in order to glorify His Name, even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone. Remember, Jesus is with you every day, even to the completion of this age. (Matt. 28:20)
Dear Lord, Jesus, thank You for not giving me a spirit of timidity or fear, but of love, power and a sound, Christlike mind. Thank you, Lord, that You are my God of hope. Please fill me with all joy and peace as I trust in You so that I will overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirt. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Angelique Conradie van der Westhuizen