Let’s start with the basics. Fear is not from God. While that may seem obvious, many of us live as if it is. 2 Timothy 1:7 states, 

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

So, if God didn’t give you fear, what are you holding onto it for? What are you doing by letting it dictate your relationships, your calling, your finances, your self-worth? That fear that’s been hounding you isn’t holy—it’s hellish. And Satan uses it to prevent you from walking in the identity and authority that Jesus died to give you.

I lived this. For years, I believed that if I just stayed in control, I could avoid pain. Childhood trauma taught me that control was survival. Sexual abuse left me believing that if I could just be good enough, prepared enough, and cautious enough, I could keep bad things from happening. But what I was really doing was bowing at the altar of fear: fear of pain, fear of rejection, fear of being exposed, fear of being alone.

Control is fear dressed in a power suit. It looks strong, but it’s driven by weakness. You think you are protecting yourself. You’re not. You’re imprisoning yourself.

Step 2: Expose the Lies of Fear

Fear always lies. It tells you things that feel true but aren’t.  It says: 

“You’ll never succeed.”
“You’re too broken.”
“God’s promises won’t come through.”
“People will leave you.”
“Your children won’t change.”
“You’ll die alone.”
“You can’t handle this.”
“God has forgotten you.”

Let me tell you something – those aren’t thoughts; those are fiery darts and flaming arrows. And Scripture tells us exactly what they are:  Ephesians 6:16 says:

“Take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.”

Those lies that come dressed as logic? They are flaming arrows, meant to burn up your hope, your joy, and your belief in the goodness of God. The only way to fight lies is with truth. And the truth is:

-You are more than a conqueror through Christ (Romans 8:37).
-God is for you, not against you (Romans 8:31).
-He has good plans for your future (Jeremiah 29:11).
-He will never leave or forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6).
-His perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18).

If you don’t replace the lies of fear with the truth of God’s Word, fear will become your default.

Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/AaronAmat