How to Overpower Fear

Fear is controlling the lives of billions of people in every corner of the world. Are you one of them? In this age of anger and hatred, violence is everywhere. Fear is hard to avoid with so many current acts of global terrorism, unforeseen natural disasters, phenomenal increase in domestic abuse, sinister cults, and the list goes on. Fear produces feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. It convinces you that you are insignificant, weak and utterly powerless.

If you are feeling utterly powerless in the face of fear, then take heed. Just as timid kids are the target of bullies in the schoolyard, and nervous drivers tend to be accident prone, so you can be affected by this tormentor. Someone living in a prolonged state of fear and consequent anxiety is at risk of major health problems. Job exemplified the outcome of fear.

"The thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me. I was not in safety, neither had I rest, neither was I quiet; yet trouble came." (Job 3:25-26) He also had a hard time learning how to overcome the effects of fear.

What, then, is the antidote and how can you get rid of the fear that has taken a hold on you? 2 Samuel 22:2-3, Samuel said: "The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior-- from violent men you save me." David said the same, almost word for word (ps. 18:1) and proclaims (v.16) how God: "took me, he drew me out of many waters. He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me," "he delivered me, because he delighted in me.

" (v.16-19) Samuel and David both knew their God intimately and trusted Him to deliver them, all the while singing praises to him and delighting in Him. Job, however, did not know Him. He had fearfully relied on sacrifices and his own righteousness. When God presented Himself to him after his ordeal, Job exclaimed: "I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee, wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes." Do you know Him? Or, like Job, maybe you have heard of Him and believe in Him and even pray to Him.

But our God is a jealous God. He desires that you have an intimate relationship with Him. He wants you to rely solely on His Power working in you rather than your own power and sacrifices or good works. He wants you to come to your heavenly Daddy, fully recognizing that without Him you really are powerless. There is nothing you can do to protect yourself. In this world you are subject to Satan's onslaughts, whether you fear them or not.

It is "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord." (Zech. 4:6) Yes, even though you walk through the valley of death, you need fear no evil for He is with you. He will nurture and console you right in the midst of your enemies while turmoil is raging all around you.

(Ps. 23:4-5) If you love Him and put your trust in Him, then His Truth shall be your protection. Whenever you call on Him, He shall answer you. God says: "I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honour him.

With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation." (Ps. 91:14-16) The love of God will overpower your fear.

"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love him, because he first loved us." (1 John 4:18-19).

Ann Stewart is the author of "With Wings As Eagles," It motivates, inspires and encourages others to stand victoriously in their trials. http://www.lifealteringwords.com/with-wings-as-eagles Her inspirational newsletter: http://www.lifealteringwords.com