The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him,
And rescues them.
– Psalm 34:7
The images were surreal, as if replayed from a Hollywood movie.
But the mayhem, blood, and horror were very real as a French SWAT team stormed a Parisian shop and freed the hostages taken by a terror group affiliated with Al Qaeda. News outlets repeatedly replayed the video of people bolting to safety under the watchful eyes of the police.
There are so many things to fear in our world.
Many of us fear death, or at least the suffering that precedes it. Most of us are afraid of something. But God has commanded us to live fearlessly. How is that possible when we are trapped in seemingly hopeless situations?
In all things, we are promised God will give us a path to victory. Below are five powerful ways to fight back fear when it lurks at our doors:
Believe in His Word.
Platitudes and positive thinking won’t rescue us from danger. We need to know He will do what He says. Key to this is to read His Word and make it a vital part of our being, so when we get into trouble, His promises are already stored up in our hearts for easy access.
Trust in His power.
It’s not up to us to solve every problem. Success does not depend upon us, nor do God-sized burdens belong on our shoulders. Our job is to do what we can and actively practice God’s words to “Cease striving and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10) when darkness threatens to overtake us.
Understand how much He loves you.
That’s probably impossible on this side of heaven, but it helps to contemplate the great sacrifice Jesus Christ made for us. The Bible says God counts every hair on our heads (Luke 12:7) and He saves up all our tears (Psalm 56:8). His thoughts toward us are more numerous than the grains of sand (Psalm 139:18). That’s limitless love.
Know what to fear.
Repeatedly in the Bible we are encouraged to fear only God. We are to acknowledge His greatness and give Him the reverence He deserves. Nothing is greater than Him. Nothing.
Practice His presence continually.
Because He lives in every believer, there is no one closer to us than God. He already knows all our fears, doubts, and mistakes, and still—amazingly—He stays with us. It’s okay to open up to Him and enjoy the constant fellowship available to us. He wants to comfort and guide us through our tragedies and joys. Why would we choose to suffer alone, when our Father is here to walk with us?
Fear is a powerful emotion. It takes courage to pull away from its clutches and watch the skies instead for the Comforter, the Deliverer, the One who can calm our raging souls with a single command:
Peace, be still.
– Mark 4:39
