Overcoming Fear

One of the greatest challenges for the church today is to not fall prey to fear. Right now, I see fear running rampant.  

I see it in discussions of the political system. I see believers looking at the social and cultural challenges in the United States and wondering what that will mean for our freedoms. I see fear regarding what could happen with the economy. There is concern about the world our children and grandchildren will inherit. The list goes on.  

So how do we acknowledge these concerns—which are very real and can’t be minimized—without sliding into unbiblical fear? How do we help others do the same?  

The biblical answer is to cultivate a firm mental focus.  

To use an analogy from sports: “Keep your eye on the ball.”  

Fear tempts us to take our eyes off  two fundamentals that are crucial to keep in constant view: first, what God has said; and second, what God has done. We need to keep reminding ourselves to focus on these two realities.  

What has God said and what has He done that can help replace fear with faith? He has said that this world, before the return of Christ, is not our home. He has done all the work necessary to guarantee your reservation in a new and better place that is our home.  

If you focus on the realities of Christ's return, you will not be a prisoner of fear. 

The biggest problem you have ever faced—the horror that should cause anyone the greatest fear—is the curse of death and separation from God. For all who have trusted Christ, that problem has been dealt with once and for all on the cross and replaced with eternal, abundant life with Christ. We need to repeat this truth to ourselves constantly. 

Furthermore, we need to proclaim the truth of the gospel to others. We need to lead captives of fear to freedom. We need to remind believers of this hope, and we need to offer the clear truth of the Good News to non-Christians.  

During uncertain and fearful times, we must stand firm in God’s promises, knowing that He is faithful and sovereign over all. Let us boldly declare the hope we have in Christ, and as we face the challenges ahead, I pray that our trust in Him would continue to grow stronger.  

May the peace that surpasses all understanding guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).