One of the most primal and tormenting emotions we have as human beings, is that of fear. We have a fear of the unknown, a fear of death, a fear of failure or a fear of getting sick. For years now television commercials have been riddled with a multitude of pharmaceutical drugs that promise to cure or prevent these dreaded diseases or infirmities. Billions of dollars are made exploiting mankind’s fears, but in reality, many drugs have hideous side effects. Often times just by changing our lifestyle, eating better, or taking natural supplements, we can build our immune systems and maintain a strong body.

But we are more than just a physical body; We are a spirit who lives in a body and possesses a soul, which is our ability to make decisions and express emotions. Corrupt systems in the world influenced by principalities and powers in wicked places are determined to exploit our body, mind, and spirit. Whatever we feed our body physically produces either positive or negative effects. The same is true for what we feed our mind and spirit. If we continue to feed on the negativity in the world, then negativity is what we will experience in our lives. While it is hard to avoid it all together, we do have the choice as to what we listen to, read, and ingest on a daily basis.

Emotional or Spiritual

Fear is not just an emotion. The Bible speaks about the “spirit of fear.” In 2 Timothy 1:7 the Word tells us: “ For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.” So, if an outward circumstance, person, place, or thing creates fear in your life, you have to ask yourself is this a spirit of fear trying to paralyze me and my ability to think rationally and logically. Not only that, but we have to stand on the Word of God and rebuke the spirit of fear. If we resist the enemy, he will flee from us. (James 4:7) But first we must submit ourselves to God.

With fear comes torment and the inability to enjoy life. Jesus came to give us life and life more abundantly. Over and over the Lord says in the Bible, “Fear not.” In the days we are living in fear has increased and is being manipulated to control people. Please understand sickness and disease have been around since the fall of mankind in the garden. Even then the serpent was using his tricks to deceive and malign human beings. Satan is a liar and the father of lies, there is no truth in him. He will do his best to create fear and torment in your mind to control your behavior and destroy your body.

Death Where is Your Sting?

“Your eyes did see my unformed substance; And in your book they were all written, Even the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was none of them.” (Psalm 139:16) So as far as being afraid of death, we do not have to be, if we are born-again because we can look forward to Heaven and eternity with God. That is why it is so important to ask Jesus into your heart and make HIM the Lord of your life. (See the Sinner’s Prayer at the end of this article to ask the Lord into your heart)

Fear is often false evidence appearing real. When we gain knowledge and understanding about the spiritual nature of reality, we can better understand how the world and the enemy work together to create fear. Perfect love casts out fear. In other words, the perfect love that God has for us should relieve our fear, because we know he will never leave nor forsake us. And the Father has promised to work all things together for our good, for those of us who love him and are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)

“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers,  nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39)

Reverential Fear

We should reject the spirit of fear by rebuking it in Jesus name because it can hinder our growth and wellbeing. A reverential fear is a totally different thing and is a healthy fear of authority and especially for God the Father. The Bible says the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. (Proverbs 9:10) Fear as a God given emotion is meant to alert us to danger so we can decide to fight or flight. But again, the spirit of fear which is demonic in nature is designed to cripple you and harm your life. When the spirit of fear comes against us, we must fight it. We cannot run from fear because it will always find us. Stand, occupy and believe that your shield of faith will quench every fiery dart of the enemy. (Ephesians 6:16)

Overcoming the Spirit of Fear

To overcome the spirit of fear, we must first recognize it for what it is, a demonic force that is sent to torment us. Rebuke fear by speaking God’s Word against it. Some excellent Scriptures to study and apply against the spirit of fear are as follows:

“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.” (Isaiah 41:10)

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1)

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4)

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

Prayer for Salvation (The Sinner’s Prayer)

"Heavenly Father, have mercy on me, a sinner. I believe in you and that your Word is true. I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of the living God and that he died on the cross so that I may now have forgiveness for my sins and eternal life. I know that without you in my heart, my life is meaningless.

I believe in my heart and confess with my mouth that you, Lord God, raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Forgive me, for every sin I have ever committed or done in my heart, Jesus come into my heart as my personal Lord and Savior today. I give you my life and ask you to take full control from this moment on; I pray this in the name of Jesus Christ."

Amen.

Rochelle Arnold graduated from RHEMA Bible School and is the Founder of Change the World Ministries. Her desire is to impact the culture for Christ through sound teaching and the fine arts. Author of Rags or Robes: Finding Your Identity in Christ & SOJOURNERS: In a Strange Land available on Amazon