Fear Doesn’t Have To Win

No Longer a Slave to Fear

The song by Bethel Music called “No Longer a Slave to Fear” really nails this one. We don’t have to be afraid. Once we have asked Christ into our lives we have nothing to be afraid of because we are God’s children. And if you haven’t asked Christ into your life it’s simple to do so. Don’t let the enemy make you feel like you have to stay stuck in the “fear” club. 

You might be thinking “that’s easy for you to say, you must have it altogether.” Well, I don’t. Fear has been something in my own life I’ve had to fight. Any of these sound familiar? “I’m afraid of getting sick and what it could do to me?” “Where is the money going to come from to pay the bills?” “Do I need to get another job?” “Am I a good enough mom?” “How will my kids turn out?” “Did I make the right decision for my kids for the school they are attending?” The list goes on…

At one time or another, and generally several at once I’ve found myself dealing with these. But the beautiful part is I don’t have to and neither do you! You are no longer a slave to fear! The first way to combat fear is to put your trust in God.

Paralyzed by Fear

Fear in itself can be paralyzing. That’s why, over and over again in the bible, God tells us not to be afraid. Does that keep bad things from happening. Not always. But being fearful and worrying about it won’t either.

Every year my husband travels for just a couple of days for work. I should be excited for the opportunity this is for him. To get to see areas of the country I can only dream about experiencing. To celebrate his success in his job. And most of all, to be there and support him. But for the past eight or so years, I can’t say I’ve done any of those. I’ve done the opposite.

When I was growing up, I got to experience the love of three of my four grandparents. My grandfather on my dad’s side I never met. He died in a plane crash when my dad was a boy. I’ve always wondered what he was like and in a sense missed a man I never even met. When my husband began traveling, fear crept in and has paralyzed me year after year that I may lose my own husband the same way. 

So rather than celebrate his success and be happy for him, I generally make his life, and mine, miserable for several weeks just before he leaves. Not something I’m proud of at all, but I wanted you to know you’re not alone if you deal with fear. It doesn’t have to be the fear of a plane crash. But fear can and is overwhelming. It doesn’t have to be.

“Mom” Fear

Since God blessed me as a mom several years ago, the biggest fear I find myself dealing with relates to my kids and my husband. “Mom” fear is real. I’ve shared one of my biggest fears relating to my husband. When it comes to my kids the list is very similar. Obviously I hate the thought of losing them. I get afraid that I’m not a good enough mom or doing the “mom” thing correctly.

But guess what, mama? I am a good mom and so are you. I’m not perfect and that’s OK. You were fearfully and wonderfully made. So were your kids. They didn’t come with a manual and as you know by now, every child is different. So you may have it figured out with your first, then comes number two and they wreck your world. But they are just who they were created to be and it doesn’t mean you are a bad mom. You are awesome! Let me say that again. You are awesome!

So when the enemy comes to steal your peace and whispers in your ear that you aren’t good enough, tell him to get out. If he tries to tell you that you are failing at being a mom, remind him you are a child of the most high God. Take your place in the throne room and parent from there.

Ways to Win the Battle

So the first and foremost way to combat fear is by turning and running right into the arms of God. Rest in his peace. The bible tells us in 2 Timothy 1:7 that we are not given a spirit of fear, but one of sound mind, power, and love. So, my friend, you aren’t losing your mind. Your decisions are just and right if you lean on him. You have power. You can tell the fear to go back where it belongs. Love conquers all. Love well.

If you want some more ideas of how to keep the peace, here is a list of things you can do when fear creeps in and wants to take over…

1. Turn to God!
2. Call a friend
3. Take a deep breath and do something you enjoy.
4. Go for a walk or get some sort of physical activity you like.
5. Create a box of reminders of the good things you can read over when all seems hopeless.
6. Get thankful! It may be difficult but start speaking the things you are thankful for.
7. Cuddle with your kids.
8. If you are able, take the day off and just give yourself time.
9. Face your fear head on. You are stronger than it is. Don’t be like Job was in the middle wallowing in his pity. Face it and know good is coming around the corner.
10. Laugh, love, and trust!

So just remember…you are not alone! You don’t have to stay stuck in fear.