There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18 (NKJV)
We’ve been talking about ways to deal with fear in our lives. Second Timothy 1:7 makes it clear that fear is a spirit from the enemy’s camp, and it can produce several crippling symptoms if we allow it into our lives. Let’s unpack a couple of them.
- A spirit of fear tortures people mentally. Some people can barely function because they’re in a continual state of mental anguish. Fear can even bring people to the point of feeling physically ill. These symptoms stem from psychological torment, and God didn’t create you to live like that.
- Fear generates anger. In Numbers 13 and 14, the Israelites were on the verge of entering the Promised Land when ten spies returned and spread frightening stories about it. Initially, the people reacted with fright. But the next day, their fear turned to anger, and they wanted to kill Moses and Aaron! If anger bubbles up whenever a particular area of your life surfaces, it’s a good indicator that fear may be the root cause.
Now, fear pushes against everyone at some point. But you don’t have to allow—or continue to surrender to—the emotional manipulation and torment it brings.
If you’re battling fear, recognize that through Christ, God has given you the authority to overcome it. Make a conscious decision to fill your heart with His Word daily, and stay focused on God’s love. The more you do, fear will melt away as your heart is convinced of His never-ending love and power!