As I finish preparing this devotion, the news of the horrible shootings last week have saddened us all. Join with us in prayer for all those who lost loved ones. May the Holy Spirit comfort each one.

Have you noticed lately an increase of fear in the people around you? Uncertainty and fear has invaded our society at an accelerated rate since 9/11/2011. Other nations are in turmoil as well. Daily we are being bombarded with media reports of extreme weather conditions, threats of impending wars, high unemployment and the downturn in worldwide economics.

Our modern technology enables us to observe earth-shaking Revelation events as they are happening. Sometimes even the atmosphere seems oppressive. Add to that life’s struggles and it is more challenging than ever to live without fear. And then all the recent senseless killings of innocent people…..well….. (Remember to pray for the families.)

At this point you may be thinking you don’t want to continue reading because it might leave you in a depressed mood instead of being encouraged. I agree that so far this devotion has been somber, emphasizing a lot of negatives. BUT HOLD ON – IT DOES GET BETTER!! —

REMEMBER GOD IS GREATER than all of these circumstances! He is still on the throne! And the Greater One lives in you and me! When God is on your side, it has been said, “God and you equal a majority”! So let’s look to the Word of God and lean on Him for victory over fear. Fears are conquered through Christ’s completed victory because satan is a defeated foe.

So–living without fear–is that even possible? If it were not possible why would God say over and over to stop fearing? Numerous verses throughout the Bible instruct us to “FEAR NOT”!! How can anyone function without fear in today’s uncertain world? What is the secret to maintaining peace and living fear-free?

“FEAR NOT” is serious business and is commanded by our Lord!

Fear paralyzes, intimidates, hinders and blocks your destiny when you allow it to become a stronghold. Fear interrupts the working of your faith! Fear consumes your energy and gets you off focus. It interferes with your perceptions, your relationships, your household and your daily routines.

Your freedom from fear begins by receiving Christ as your Savior (who conquered all fears), then learning God’s Word and meditating on it. As you begin to use your authority in Christ and renew your mind, fear will lose its grip and no longer hold you in bondage. Your thoughts and outlook will become more positive as the strongholds of fear are broken.

Fear is not of God.

II Timothy 1:7 – says, “God has not given you a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind!” Have you ever heard of brain drain? Well, usually that expression is used when you are totally exhausted, beyond your limits of handling life’s pressures, etc. However, I want to use it in a positive sense regarding fear. We need our brain drained of all forms of fear. And our wonderful Lord has provided us with a method to do just that!

Fear is the opposite of faith.

We are called to be faith people and believing God’s Word dispels fear. The more we are in the Lord’s presence, the more secure we become in Him. Habitual thoughts of fear can be offset with God’s Word. Fearful thinking patterns can be broken if we are willing to submit to God’s ways.

Romans 12:2 is the key to overcoming fear as well as other torments. You can become more Christ-like but it starts on the inside. The determining factor is to walk according to the Spirit and not the flesh.

Romans 12:2—“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” KJV

Confront and face your fears with the Word of God!

The following scriptures will help when fear pounds on the door of your mind. Don’t open that door and entertain fear, but rather, slam it shut by using the authority God has given you. Boldly speak God’s Word and fear will flee!

1) If God cares for the sparrows, surely He cares for you.

Matthew 10:29-30 – “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”

2) Trusting in the Lord casts out fear.

David wrote in Psalm 56:3 – “When I am afraid I will trust in thee.” Our trust is in the Lord, His protection and the victory Jesus won at Calvary over the enemy. Fearless living is a result of trusting God completely.

3) God’s perfect love casts out fear.

I John 4:18 – “There is no fear in love; but perfect loves casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.”

God is love and He is perfect, therefore He is perfect love. This scripture is really referring to God’s love. The more intimate you are in your fellowship with the Lord, the greater extent you will experience the love of God. God’s love is all around you but sometimes it goes unnoticed. The more you receive of God’s love, the more secure you will be. When God’s perfect love dominates your thoughts, that love will cast out fear!

4) Be not afraid — God is your helper and promises to always be with you!!

Psalm 46:1 – “God is our refuge and strength. A very present help in trouble.”

Hebrews 13:5-6 – “…I will never will leave you or forsake you.” So we may boldly say: ‘The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?’”

Deuteronomy 31:6 – “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.”

Joshua 1:9 – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of a good courage; do not be afraid, nor be thou dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

What an amazing promise!! Christian, if you believe that wherever you are and wherever you travel that God goes with you, then why fear? Remind yourself that God is with you, around you and in you at all times. Glory!!

Speak out loud, declare and decree these scriptures over your life.

You are fighting a spiritual battle and God’s Word is the weapon that repels the torment of fear. Do your own research in the Bible and you will discover many encouraging scriptures regarding “fear not” or “be not afraid.”

God bless you as you determine to agree with God and “FEAR NOT!!”

We’re praying for you!