Fear… Friend or Foe?

Fear can be your foe or your friend. When you find yourself in the path of a frightening storm—whether figurative or literal—fear can be a paralyzing force spiraling you down into the depths of darkness . . . or a propelling motivator moving you to higher ground. As the storm approaches, fear can be like a deadbolt lock keeping your mind confined . . . or like a loud alarm warning you to move to safety. What role does fear have in your life? Immobilizer or energizer . . . foe or friend? What you do in the face of fear identifies its role in your life. Instead of being paralyzed by fear, allow your fear to move you to entrust your life to the Lord. Come to see the Lord as your only place of safety. He promises that He will not only be with you, but that He will also lead you through your fear.

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” -Isaiah 43:1–2

The Truth Will Set You Free

The first step in applying truth is to identify the lies behind the fears you are experiencing and to replace those lies with facts.

Fear: “I can’t help this feeling of intense fear!”

Fact: This feeling is a bluff to my mind and body. It is not grounded in truth. (Psalm 27:3)

Fear: “I have this feeling of doom—a feeling that I am going to die.”

Fact: The time of death is in God’s hands. I will choose to trust Him. (Job 14:5)

Fear: “I am hopeless and can never change.”

Fact: In Christ, I am a new person. Nothing is hopeless. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Fear: “To be safe, I must be in control.”

Fact: God is in control of my life, and He is with me step-by-step. (Deuteronomy 31:8)

Fear: “I’m afraid of what others are thinking about me.”

Fact: My peace comes from pleasing God, not from pleasing man. (2 Corinthians 5:9)

Fear: “I feel trapped with no way of escape.”

Fact: God always makes a way of escape. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

“You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” -John 8:32

Key Verse to Memorize

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” -Isaiah 41:10

Key Passage to Read and Reread

Psalm 23

Click here for the PDF version of the complete Fear Resource Guide provided by Hope for the Heart.