Fear vs. Faith

You haven’t heard from your son in 5 days. He has not responded to any of your messages. The last time this happened…

Fear. The essence of nightmares, the reality of life. We don’t want it, but can’t avoid it. Fear is the way our bodies warn us of incoming danger. It begins with just one thought.

“If you don’t do what I want, you will die.”

“My son didn’t call- what if He overdoses again? He will die.”

Fear. It comes in many forms. It only takes one thought to get your emotions to jump into panic- mode. We have a long list of experiences that remind us of the danger – how death is just around the corner.

“Love and fear are the root emotions- all the other emotions grow out of these. We are wired for love. We learn fear. ( Dr. Caroline Leaf, 2012)”

Repeated experiences and thoughts form neural pathways in our brain. The more traumatic- the stronger the connection. These pathways can be connected to a fear response or physical reaction. Our brains have learned fear. Once this mindset is established, we may find that fear creeps up into our daily lives.

The other day I was at work and happened to check my phone. Three messages from my son. “I’m freakin’ out” “Mom!” ” I don’t know what to do.”

My heart began to pound. My thoughts immediately jumped to drugs and I saw him back on the street. I was afraid. It only took three short messages to trigger my fear. Why?

I have had many different fear- causing experiences throughout my life. I have also worked through them and trust the Lord to be my safety.

So why is it so easy for me to let fear in?

“Fear is the opposite of faith. ( Joyce Meyers, The Key to Overcoming Every Fear You Face)”

Fear is not from God. It is a tool used by the enemy to manipulate us into weakness. When we have a residue of fear left in our hearts, it creates a weak spot. Current circumstances bump up against these weak spots and trigger a new fear response, even though our faith would tell us its ok!

The more that we engage this fear, the stronger it gets. I have allowed my thoughts to trigger old fear residues.

So how do we conquer fear?

“I sought the Lord and He answered me. He delivered me from all my fears. (Psalm 34:4)”

Remember- fear starts with a thought. Change your thoughts.

When I had fear about to explode in my mind at work, I made a choice. I knew I had to stop the racing thoughts and panic. Don’t laugh, but I went into the bathroom and started praising God! I got away from anything that would distract me from my God, and I started silently singing! I began speaking positive thoughts- praises for what He has done.

Fear lost its grip.

When we choose to praise instead of reinforcing the enemy’s fear attack, we become strong. We can conquer any fear- we are overcomers! Not just survivors!

Praise strengthens our faith, changes the atmosphere and breaks down the stronghold of fear.

“I’m gonna sing in the middle of the storm. Louder and louder! You’re gonna hear my praises roar! Up from the ashes, hope will arise. Death is defeated, the King is alive!

I raise a hallelujah! (Bethel Music)”

That was my silent song in the bathroom. I sent up a song of praise and fought back against fear- if I could have, my song would have pierced the air loudly!

Fear is not something we have to accept. I refuse to live in fear any longer. “The Lord is the stronghold of my life- of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1)”

What fear are you dealing with? When we keep fear hidden in our hearts, we are giving it power. Let’s make this more personal. Comment on this blog post-

What is your fear? Then end with a statement of praise to fight back against the enemy! Together we can conquer fear!