How to Break the Power of Fear — By Meisha Johnson
With everything going on in our world today, it’s no surprise that fear has become a common theme in our everyday lives. We spend an unhealthy amount of time scrolling through social media, watching the news, and debating with our neighbors – activities which oftentimes only fuels the anxiety we feel. Fear can easily become not only crippling, but paralyzing, leading to an endless cascade of events: sleepless nights, lack of productivity at work, relational and marital issues. Thankfully, there is a remedy. Reading Scripture can be a powerful way to curb fear and anxiety. And what better place to start than in the Psalms?
“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.
Psalm 23 is one of the most famous Psalms in the Bible, and for good reason. It illustrates for us a comforting truth: that even in our darkest moments, God Himself is with us. He is our Good Shepherd, going before us, leading us out of danger and into places of safety. Because of His divine protection over us, we don’t have to fear any force of evil — ever. We are in His trustworthy and protective hands, always.
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in You. In God, Whose Word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?” –Psalm 56:3-4
It’s easy to let our minds wander to worst-case scenario’s. But when we think about it as God does, we don’t have a whole lot to lose. No matter what we face here on earth, there is nothing that can separate us from the love and saving grace of God. Although our bodies may be in danger, our souls are forever safe with Christ. Because of that, we can not only put all our trust in Him, we can be at peace in Him at all times.
“When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul” –Psalm 94:19.
Sometimes fear is inevitable. There will be times in our lives when fear is the natural and even appropriate response. But, while our faith in God may not eliminate every worry, we can rest in the fact that when we are afraid, Jesus will be there to comfort us. He knows exactly what is on our hearts and He assures us that whatever we’re going through cannot compare to the glory He has in store for us.
Despite what the media portray’s, fear doesn’t have to be the story of our lives. Fear and anxiety can be overcome through the victory we already have in Christ. The Psalms remind us that even when all hope seems lost, we have a God who’s mightier than any situation. He is leading us through the storm, guarding our souls, and easing the burdens that weigh on our hearts and minds. By meditating on these truths, we will begin to feel more joy and more at peace. We can let go of that paralyzing fear (and all its ill effects), and we can start to live the life God ordained for us – confidently and joyfully by the grace of God.
Written by Meisha Johnson
