How to TRULY Combat Fear

Hello dear friends,

I haven’t written in a while but in the face of COVID-19 and the fear that has produced all around us, I feel called to share some thoughts. I do so in an attempt to combat fear.

We’re all marching through this together. Daily, we’re witnessing this virus gain momentum which has now caused us to greatly limit time outside our homes. Large gatherings are off the table and many of us are graciously complying with the advice to not even meet in small groups at this point.

This is smart. This is even godly, I would submit. Christians are not called to ignore facts or bury our heads in the sand. We don’t hurl ourselves off cliffs expecting the Lord to catch us just because we’re Christians. We pay attention to wisdom and the promptings of the Holy Spirit. If He calls us to the front lines, that’s one thing. If He does not, I believe we’re called to exercise the same rational discretion as everyone else in this matter.

When things like this strike, it feels like a movie plot unfolding in real time and people are forced to examine where they stand and what they believe. Christians tend to feel the close scrutiny of others who look to see if they will live what they proclaim. I know some of my fellow Christians feel the weight of that heavy examination right now. I do, at times, as well. It’s to be expected. In fact, Jennings and I decided to purchase some essentials before the grocery shelves emptied and while we were carrying our bags into our home, I found myself thinking…

“Geez, I hope our neighbors don’t think we’re giving into fear or hording more than we need as if we don’t care about the well-being of others.”

I think it’s natural that we’d begin to feel the pressure of representing our Lord well and our hearts accurately. But, try as we might, there’s likely to be moments when we’re misunderstood. That’s not the end of the world. We do what we can. We trust the rest to the Spirit.

Here’s what I know about fear:

It’s from the enemy (like this virus) and its potential to take down people in its path is often deadlier than even an illness of this magnitude. I’m certainly not saying this virus isn’t a force to be reckoned with. Facts are facts, my friends, and this has been increasing at a sobering rate. But fear is what turns people on people. And fear can manifest in ways we never saw coming; potentially destroying the minds, hearts, bodies and/or relationships of the people who fall victim.

Even so, Jesus is bigger.

I don’t say this to sound rosy or trite or stupid. I say this because I believe it. And yet, even though I do, I have had moments when I have had to actively combat the thickness of this widespread fear. Who wouldn’t have to address fear right now??

So, how do we, as Christians, do that?

Well, I do happen to know a little bit about this topic. Fear is something I have had to address with the Lord more than a few times in my life. I’ve spoken about it quite honestly in my blogging and otherwise. It just is what it is: fear gripped me as a little girl, when I would worry incessantly about the safety of my loved ones, and fear still tries to grip me today. So, I’ve learned how to combat it…I’ve HAD to!

There’s only one thing that casts out fear. The Bible calls it “perfect love”. It’s not referring to any kind of love we’d ever try to muster up for our Father. Our love for Him is far from perfect. Rather, it refers to the perfect love He has for us.

In 2 Timothy 1:7, God shows us that love, as well as power and a sound mind (or “self-control” as it is sometimes translated), will keep us from operating in a spirit of fear. TRUE power, love and soundness can only come from One source. You can’t manufacture this stuff. You can’t “reason” your way out of fear with worldly teachings; they will fail you every time.

So, if you find yourself trying to cope with fear right now, ask yourself (as Dawna De Silva so wisely prompts in her book, Overcoming Fear) if you feel lack in any of those areas regarding the Lord. Do you feel He isn’t powerful enough to fight for you? Loving enough to protect you? Or, in your fear, are you unintentionally disregarding the soundness He has taught, modeled, provided and purchased for you? Maybe you find you’re struggling in ALL of those areas. That’s okay! Now you know! So get to work in the Spirit because you’ve just been given the gift of strategy. Begin an open, honest dialogue with the God who already knows your heart and deeply cares. His Voice will lead you back to truth and once it does, you’ll see that fear doesn’t have the power you thought it did.

And neither does this virus.

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against a spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Ephesians 6:12)

Yes, we wrestle with the enemy but guess what?…

If we’re in Christ, we win.

This is a choice we make, friends. We either lean into truth to defeat the lies or we implement other ineffective methods such as…

Ignoring the concern by thinking we can push it down. Turning to favored distractions. Or allowing the fear to come out in unhealthy ways that frustrate or hurt ourselves and those around us.

True strength is found in God and God alone.

Period.

Time in the Word (because the Word is God’s gift to us and our weapon to wield against the enemy) as well as time spent in the powerful and loving presence of God is what’s going to change your life. And silence your fear.

The other night, I felt fear trying to grip me. It held on pretty tight and I was more than uncomfortable. I couldn’t stop thinking about the people I love and the reality of what was happening.

I couldn’t sleep so I got up and got in the Word. I prayed the scriptures I’d been taught to pray. I spoke the power of Psalm 91 over me and my loved ones. I rested in the goodness of my Father as I read about His faithfulness and love. And I rose up in the power bought for me on the cross that my Jesus endured for my sake.

And I found my peace. It continues to stay with me.

I’m not operating in fear right now and I haven’t been for days. I’m so grateful! I continue to seek His face and lean into who I have learned He is. My trust in His loving protection is not wavering.

I may have to actively fight the enemy another time or two or three before this whole thing is over but the good news is:

I know how.

Friends, I do so hope for your strength to rise up right now in Christ. It’s not a time for us to judge each other as if we fully understand what our fellow humans are going through. We don’t know what someone else has to contend with in their own struggle against fear. But we can lovingly point those who feel a little unsteady to the God who steadies.

Love is powerful. It can build up the weariest of the weary.

And PERFECT love…

well, that can stop the enemy in his tracks and is exactly what we need right now. (see 1 John 4:18)

You are loved. You may not know that or feel that right at this moment. But look in the right direction and prepare to be changed.

God is real. God is here. And if you choose to lean into His truths,

you too will be protected.

And fear will reign no more.

The spacious, free life is from God, it’s also protected and safe. God-strengthened, we’re delivered from evil – when we run to him, he saves us. -Psalm 37:39-40, The Message

Let’s keep those who have lost loved ones in our prayers and be bold enough to speak against this virus in Jesus’ name. But let’s also honor our Father by resting in His care. Peace to you, dear ones…in Jesus’ mighty name. You’re in good, good hands.