Freedom from Fear and Anxiety

Did you know that anxiety is a form of fear? Fear can take many forms—worry, anxiety, panic or even dread. And it’s so important for us to get the upper hand over fear because fear does not come from God. In fact, fear is one of the primary weapons Satan uses to keep us from fulfilling God’s destiny for our lives.

There was a time in my life when I had more fears than I could count. I was also a chronic worrier, always afraid the absolute worst would happen...never able to truly enjoy my life and have the peace God wanted to give me.

However, Psalm 34:4 contains a promise that I clung to for years. This is a promise for you, too: I sought the Lord [on the authority of His word], and He answered me, and delivered me from all my fears (AMPC).

Maybe your life is so filled with anxiety and fear that you honestly can’t imagine ever being free. If that’s the case, please know that I was once where you are. In fact, I don’t even think I understood how messed up I was until the Lord began helping me get free in some areas.

I want you to know that regardless of how much fear and worry have ruled your life in the past, God has a great future in store for you. His Word says He has a good plan for your future—plans for welfare and peace (See Jeremiah 29:11).

Keep Moving Forward

One of the definitions of fear is “to take flight or run away from.” I think this is so fitting because that’s what fear and anxiety does—it makes us want to run and hide.

Our enemy, Satan, wants to use fear to prevent us from moving forward, enjoying our lives, and fulfilling our destinies. He wants us to be perpetually worried about the “what ifs” in life: What if they laugh at me? What if things don’t go as planned? What if I fail? What if something bad happens?

Fear and worry keep people from stepping out into their callings, trying new things, and even meeting new people and enjoying relationships.

For years, every time I taught on fear, I would say FEAR stands for “False Evidence Appearing Real.” The enemy is good at painting false pictures in our minds, convincing us that trouble is ahead. That’s why it’s so important to renew our minds with God’s Word. When we know the truth, it helps us to expose the lies!

For instance, I used to be extremely negative. I believed the worst about everyone and assumed bad things were bound to happen eventually. But then I began reading God’s Word and learned that He has only good things planned for our lives. And beyond that, He wants us to actively expect Him to do good things.

Now, when the enemy tries to bring these negative thoughts of doom and gloom, I choose to stop, then think and say what God’s Word says. I may say something like:

“No, God is good, and He’s going to do something wonderful in my life today. My future is bright, and I have nothing to worry about—He’s got it all taken care of. The Lord’s goodness and mercy follow me every single day of my life!” (See Jeremiah 29:11; Phillipians 4:6; Psalms 23:6.)

Satan wants us to shrink back in fear and live tiny, useless lives. However, God desires for us to live free from the effects of fear and live big, fulfilling lives! He wants us to enjoy freedom and creativity, unhampered by fear and worry.

God’s Promise to You

Maybe the best news I can give you is that we’re not in this battle against fear and anxiety alone. We have a Father in heaven who loves us more than we can imagine. He’s omniscient (all-knowing), omnipotent (all-powerful), and omnipresent (everywhere at once).

Just think for a moment: God Himself knows everything about you. He knows every worry you have, and He already has a solution for every one of your problems. Best of all? God loves you.

Look with me at 1 John 4:18 (AMPC). It says, There is no fear in love [dread does not exist]. But perfect (complete, full-grown) love drives out fear....

Understanding God’s love is the antidote for fear. God wants us to know just how much He loves us and desires to help us in every area of life.

It helps me to think about how much I love my own children. There’s almost nothing I wouldn’t do to help them if they were in trouble! And if we feel this way about our own children, then how do you think God feels about us? Look what Jesus says in Matthew 7:11 (AMPC):

“If you then, evil (sinful by nature) as you are, know how to give good and advantageous gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven [perfect as He is] give what is good and advantageous to those who keep on asking Him.”

And just think about this: God has no limitations. Nothing is impossible with Him—He can help us in every situation, on every occasion! You see, when we get to know God—really know Him—it fills us with hope and confidence because we realize He’s greater than any situation we will ever encounter.

God wants you to know that He’s always going to take care of you as you place Your trust in Him—always. You don’t have to know His exact timing or how He will do it, but you can be assured that He’ll always meet your needs and never let you down.

John 14:27 (AMP) says, “Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid.” [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.]

This is both a promise and a command. Through Jesus Christ, we can enjoy His peace that goes beyond anything the world can offer. But we also have a part to play. God is saying, “Don’t allow yourself to be overcome with fear and anxiety. Refuse to let the enemy stop you!”

Remember, whatever you’re facing today, God is bigger than your worries, your problems and your fears. He knows every one of your needs before you ever have them, and He delights in taking care of you.

It’s because of Him that we can confidently say, “The Lord is my Helper—I will not fear” (see Hebrews 13:6).