Fear What?

        President Roosevelt said, “All we have to fear is fear itself.”  Jesus declared, “But I will forewarn you whom you shall fear; Fear Him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yes, I say unto you, Fear Him” (Luke 12:5).  To blend these two together let me put it to you this way:  Fear God and you won’t fear anyone or anything.  You may ask, “How does this work?”  Good question!  We know that many people are suffering from anxiety attacks, stress, hopelessness, and fear.  And the majority of them are being told they will just have to deal with it or take medication.  But listen, that’s just not true.  There is a solution that not only makes us strong but shatters the very presence of fear.  How do I know?  Because, I am a living testimony! 
        Believe it or not, fear is a real spirit from hell sent to torment, control, and destroy every person who will listen to his ominous voice.  And yes he talks convincingly.  If we are not careful we will find ourselves talking back in agreement to that spirit. And in doing so we give him power.  But know this: there is a Power greater than the spirit of fear which when we call Him by name, believe in the power of His name, stand strong in the authority of His name, the spirit of fear high-tails it. 
        I want to share three points to gutting the spirit of fear.  First, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7).  When we fear God He opens our understanding to what we are facing then gives us courage to rebuke the spirit of fear in the name of Jesus.  To fear God means to put Him first and to love Him with all of our heart. God loves us so much that He gives us perfect love to cast out tormenting fears.  Yes, fear has torments, but God’s love in us dispels fear and gives perfect peace. 
        Second, we must “Trust in the Lord with all of our heart; and lean not to our own understanding.  In all of our ways we must acknowledge God and He will direct our paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).  We must know that God wants us to be free from fears.  It is comforting to know that God cares for us so much that He leads us in the path of victories.  The very reason that God came to earth in the form of a man called Jesus was to destroy the devil and his works.  For greater insight you must read Hebrews 2:14-15; I John 3:8.  God hates the spirit of fear but loves us. 
        Last of all, we have to discipline ourselves to talk to God daily (pray), read the Word of God (Bible) daily, and go to God’s house (church) when the doors are open.  These three life-lines build our relationship with God, strengthen our faith in God, and equip us for battle.  The spirit of fear is a predator.  Peter said, “Our adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour.  Whom resist steadfast in the faith…” (I Peter 5:8).  If we want to have the victory over that bestial spirit we must use the license that Christ paid for and gave to everyone who believes, receives, & obeys His Word.

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