Don’t Be Bullied by Fear

I think we would be amazed if we took the time to notice how often our circumstances and reactions are rooted in fear. People sometimes spend their entire lives reacting to situations in ways that prevent them from being the people they truly want to be.

For instance, maybe you want to have a baby but are afraid you won’t be a good parent, so you keep putting it off. Or maybe you have a dream to write a book, but the fear of someone rejecting your work has kept you from trying.

It could even be something simple like a desire to change your hair color—you’re afraid you won’t like it, so you just settle for keeping it the way it is.

Fear can steal anything from us if we let it. That’s why walking in faith (instead of fear) is a decision we must make many times throughout our lives.

The truth is, we have power and authority over the enemy, but authority is useless if it is not exercised (Luke 10:19). Being free from fear doesn’t mean that we will never experience it or be confronted by it. It means that we are committed to not allowing it to rule our lives, and when necessary we will do what we need to do.

Galatians 5:1 (NIV) says, It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened by a yoke of slavery.

Satan is very shrewd and he doesn’t give up easily. So, we must live watchfully, ready to recognize and immediately confront the things that steal our freedom in Christ. We should always be ready to resist him at the onset of his attacks, because the longer we let a fear remain, the more difficult it is to get rid of (1 Peter 5:9).

Whenever you feel intimidated, insecure or afraid, the best thing you can do is ask God what’s going on, then watch and wait for Him to speak to your heart. The answer may come immediately, or it may take a while, but if you seek to understand the cause, you will find truth, and the truth will make you free (John 8:32).

Pray: “Father, open my eyes to any areas of my life being affected by fear. Help me to immediately recognize the tactics of the enemy and choose to boldly walk in faith. In Jesus’ name, amen.”