Neil Anderson’s Freedom in Christ Ministry provides powerful, relevant resources for fighting spiritual battles. One of the chief battles every Christian faces is the struggle with fear.
“Courage is not the absence of fear, but it is living by faith and doing what is right in the face of untruths. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Proverbs 1:7. Godly fear is the only fear that can overcome all other fears. Irrational fears compel us to live irresponsible lives or prevent us from doing that which is responsible and from being bold in sharing our faith. Lies must be identified, because every irrational fear is based on a falsehood. We must pray for God to reveal what lies beneath the surface of our worries, our controlling fears and pray for victory over them. Here is an example of a prayer that will dispel fear:
“Dear God, I confess that I have allowed fear to control me and that lack of faith is sin. Thank You for Your forgiveness. I recognize that “…You have not given me a spirit of fear but of power and love and discipline.” 1 Timothy 1:7. I renounce any spirit of fear operating in my life and ask You to reveal any and all controlling fears in my life and the lied behind them. I desire to live by faith in You and in the power of the Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.”
Many fears can plague us, and the first step to freedom is to identify them. Here is a list that may assist you in discovering why you are afraid: fear of death, fear of never loving or being loved, fear of Satan, fear of embarrassment, fear of failure, fear of being victimized, fear of rejection or disapproval, fear of intimacy, divorce, or poverty. We can fear mental or physical illness, the death of a loved one or being a hopeless case. We may fear individuals. Many fear losing their salvation, not being loved by God or committing the unpardonable sin.
As you analyze the sources of your fear, ask several questions. When did you first experience a fear and what events triggered it? What lies have you believed that are the basis for the fear? How has the fear kept you from living a responsible life or compromised your witness? Confess any active or passive way that you have allowed fear to control you. Work out a plan of responsible behavior, and determine in advance what your response will be to any fear object. Commit yourself to follow through with your plan. If you do the thing you fear the most, the death of fear is certain.
Pray this prayer:
“Lord Jesus, I renounce the fear of (name the fear and associated lies) because God has not given me a spirit of fear. I choose to live by faith in You, and I acknowledge You as the only legitimate fear object in my life. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.”
Dispelling fear is a prayer project. Wear your spiritual armor and ask for God’s discernment to fight your fears.”
For additional help with fear, read Neal T. Anderson and Rich Miller, Freedom from Fear. Eugene, Oregon: Harvest House Publishers, 1999.