YWPMI

Fear is a spirit that tries to control us, to bring doubt into our hearts, and to rob us of peace. It whispers lies that we are powerless, that we are alone, and that we can’t make it through the struggles we face. Fear seeks to paralyze us, causing us to shrink back in uncertainty, overwhelmed by the challenges ahead. But God has given us the antidote to fear: faith. When we walk by faith and not by sight, when we trust in God’s word over our feelings, fear loses its power. Faith allows us to see beyond the circumstances and into the heart of God’s promises. Fear cannot hold us captive when we stand firm in the truth of what God has said. The key to overcoming fear is to recognize that the God who is with us is greater than any obstacle we face.

When the disciples were caught in a storm on the Sea of Galilee, they were afraid. The wind and waves were fierce, and they feared for their lives. In the midst of the storm, Jesus was asleep in the boat, seemingly unaware of the danger. But when they woke Him in desperation, He calmed the storm with a single word: “Peace, be still” (Mark 4:39). Afterward, He asked them, “Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?” (Mark 4:40). Jesus was showing them that when He is with them, fear has no place. They had the Lord of the universe in their boat, and that meant nothing could harm them. The same is true for us today—when we walk with Jesus, fear has no power over us. We may face storms in our lives, but Jesus is with us, and with Him, we can find peace even in the midst of turmoil. FEAR HAS ALREADY BEEN DEFEATED.

Fear has a way of making us feel like we are standing alone, facing impossible odds. But in truth, God is always with us, offering us the strength we need to face any situation. We are never powerless. We are never alone. God has given us power, love, and a sound mind, and we must walk in the authority He has granted us. When we understand the power of the Holy Spirit living within us, we realize that we have been given everything we need to overcome fear. Fear is not from God, and we do not have to accept it as part of our lives. Instead, we can walk boldly, knowing that God is at work on our behalf, giving us the strength, wisdom, and courage to stand firm.

Love is another key to overcoming fear. The love of God drives out fear, for perfect love casts out all fear (1 John 4:18). When we recognize the depth of God’s love for us, fear begins to lose its grip. God’s love is so perfect, so all-encompassing, that it covers every fear and every worry we have. Think of the love that God has shown us through His sacrifice on the cross. If He loved us enough to send His only Son to die for us, what could possibly make us afraid? His love is the antidote to every fear, every worry, every anxiety that tries to take root in our hearts. We don’t have to live in fear, because we are covered by the love of God, and His love is more powerful than any fear we face.

The Bible also tells us that God has given us a sound mind. A sound mind is one that is grounded in truth, one that is steady and unwavering, even in the face of danger. A sound mind does not give in to panic or anxiety. Instead, it trusts in God’s word, holding on to the truth that God will never leave us or forsake us. When fear begins to knock at the door of our hearts, a sound mind reminds us of God’s promises and keeps us focused on Him. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not to our own understanding. When we focus on God’s faithfulness and His truth, our minds remain sound and clear, not shaken by the uncertainties around us. A sound mind is a mind that remains anchored in God’s Word, knowing that He is in control, no matter what circumstances may say.

But there’s more to the promise of God’s presence than just His protection. God also promises to be with us in every situation, no matter how difficult or how dark it may seem. In Psalm 23:4, David, despite facing the valley of the shadow of death, declares, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” These words are a reminder that even in the darkest times, we do not walk alone. God is with us, comforting us, guiding us, protecting us. There is no darkness so deep that God cannot reach us. There is no danger so great that God cannot deliver us. Even in times when fear seems overwhelming, we can rest in the knowledge that God is always by our side. FEAR HAS ALREADY BEEN DEFEATED.

Consider the story of the three Hebrew boys—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. They refused to bow down to the golden image set up by King Nebuchadnezzar, even when threatened with being thrown into the fiery furnace. Their response was a bold declaration of faith: “If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up” (Daniel 3:17-18). The king was furious and had them thrown into the fiery furnace, but God was with them. He delivered them, and not a hair on their heads was singed. The flames could not touch them, because God was with them. When we stand firm in our faith, when we trust God’s presence and His promises, there is no fear that can overcome us. FEAR HAS ALREADY BEEN DEFEATED.

And let’s not forget that through Jesus, we have already won the victory over fear. “This is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith” (1 John 5:4). Through faith in Jesus, we have been made more than conquerors. Fear may still try to rise up, but it cannot overcome us, because we are victorious through Christ. Jesus has already defeated the enemy, and we share in His victory. We are not fighting for victory; we are fighting from victory. That means fear has already been defeated, and we can walk in the peace that comes from knowing that we have the victory in Christ. Jesus’ work on the cross ensures that we are victorious, and He has already overcome every fear, every doubt, and every enemy.

When we understand all of this, fear becomes something we can reject. It has no place in our lives, because it is not based on truth. Fear tries to speak louder than God’s promises, but we have to choose to listen to the voice of truth. The voice of fear tells us to give up, to back down, to shrink in fear of the unknown. But the voice of God tells us that we are more than conquerors, that we are His children, that He is with us, and that He has already won the battle for us. Fear may come knocking, but we can choose not to answer. We can choose to walk in faith, in peace, and in victory.

The next time fear tries to creep in, remember: You don’t have to fear. You are not alone. God is with you. His love surrounds you. His power is within you. And through Jesus, you are victorious. Stand firm in that truth, and let fear know that it has no place in your life. Every time fear tries to rise up, remind yourself that FEAR HAS ALREADY BEEN DEFEATED. And because of Jesus, you walk in victory, in peace, and in the assurance of God’s presence.

 And THAT is…