Don’t Let Fear Control You
Let Truth Conquer Fear
We all struggle with our inner thoughts and emotions. Sometimes we can get trapped in them. It can feel like there is a dark cloud hanging over our heads. Fear can be paralyzing and can stop you from becoming the person you were designed to be. Your life is so much more than the fear you are experiencing. To experience freedom in Christ, and to grow in the grace of God, requires repentance, which literally means a change of mind. You can learn how to conquer your fears and be fearless. The following steps are truths that will set you free to live the abundant life Jesus has promised to every believer.
First of all, God creates within us a protective fear that is temporary and circumstantial for the purpose of keeping us safe. But God doesn’t put into us chronic, debilitating fear. That fear comes from the devil and is demonically inspired. The only answer for this type of fear is to take authority over it, bind it, and cast it from our lives as Jesus taught us.
Therefore, if fear is a God-given natural response when our physical or psychological safety is threatened. Courage is not the absence of fear, but it is living by faith and doing what is right in the face of illegitimate fear objects. The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom and the only fear that can overcome all other fears. Irrational fears compel us to live irresponsible lives or prevent us from doing that which is responsible and from being good witnesses. Behind every irrational fear is a lie that must be identified. Our purpose is to identify when fear entered and to break the stronghold. This prayer will allow the Lord to identify any controlling fear and to root out the mind-binding lies:
Dear Heavenly Father, I confess that I have allowed fear to control me and that lack of faith is sin. I confess I’ve agreed with fear, and ask that you forgive me. Thank you for Your forgiveness. I recognize that You have not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love and discipline. I renounce any spirit of fear operating in my life and ask You to reveal any and all-controlling fears in my life and the lies behind them. I desire to live by faith in You and in the power of the Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ Name, I pray. Amen.
Renewing your mind is a process, but the process begins with acknowledging strongholds of fear that have legal rights. Identify any deceptions you were knowingly or unknowingly believing and agreeing with; such as fear of death, of never loving or being loved, fear of Satan, fear of embarrassment, rejection by other people, failure, victimized, becoming/being homosexual, controlling marriage, going crazy, financial problems, pain/illness, the future, never being married, confrontation, being hopeless, specific individuals, losing salvation, not loved by God, having committed the unpardonable sin. Other_____
Analyze Your Fear:
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When did you first experience the fear, and what events preceded the first experience? What lies have you been believing that are the basis for the fear? How has the fear kept you from living a responsible life or compromised your witness? Confess any active or passive way that you have allowed fear to control you. Work out a plan of responsible behavior and be determined in advance what your response will be to any fear or object.*
Father, in Jesus’ Name, I renounce the fear of (name the fear and associated lies) because God has not given me a spirit of fear. I choose to live by faith in You and I acknowledge You as the only legitimate fear object in my life. I receive the promise in Isaiah 41:10, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Thank you, Father, I receive and thank you for Your love, power, and a sound mind,” in Jesus’ Name, I pray. Amen.
