How to Let Go of Fear

 

Fear is one of the most awful things in the world. When we live out  of fear, life is not what it’s meant to be. Fear cripples us. Fear steals the joy of living. Fear paralyzes our inner beings. Exactly the opposite what God designed for us.

Every bad decision I’ve ever made can be traced back to fear.
Whenever I’ve made a decision out of fear it has led to a disaster.

Whenever you say yes because you fear that this is your last chance ever and not because you think it is the right thing to do…you act out of fear. Whenever you agree to something because you might never otherwise get married/get a job/find a house, you act out of fear. Whenever we get tired of waiting for God’s plan, we take the matter in our hands and act out of fear.

But any decision made out of fear is not what God had designed for us. Sure, God can use even our bad decisions to create something beautiful out of them. But it does not diminish the fact that fear is Satan’s way to get us out of God’s plan. Like Rick Warren has said “fear is a self imposed prison that will keep you from becoming what God intends for you to be.” 

What to do then when you are fearful? How to let go of fear?

First of all, remember “the presence of fear does not mean you have no faith. Fear visits everyone. But make your fear a visitor and not a resident.” (Max Lucado)

Second, we can “move against it with the weapons of faith and love.” (Rick Warren)

Third, “Begin to rejoice in the Lord, and your bones will flourish like an herb, and your cheeks will glow with the bloom of health and freshness. Worry, fear, distrust, care-all are poisonous! Joy is balm and healing, and if you will but rejoice, God will give power.” (A.B. Simpson)

It’s not enough that we hold Christian truths in theory. We need to live them daily. You see, if I am not empowered by the Holy Spirit every morning, there is no way I would stay Christian very long. Because anything in theory only does not hold my interest very long. If Christian faith was just a collection of beautiful life lessons, I’d be the first one to let go of that religion. But Christian faith is much, much more than that. Christian faith is a living companionship with God.

That’s why the only way to not to live out of fear is to live with close connection to God. It means that in order to be hope-filled and fearless I need to abide in God and read his word daily. If we all remembered this, there would be so much less heart-ache. If we are ready to receive, God is happy to lavish us with his gifts: peace, joy, and boldness.

Also, do not stop reading the Word or leave God’s presence until you are fearless and grace-empowered. Sometimes it takes a little more praying and assurance from God to let go of fears than other times. Just know that God is always with you and he will strengthen you. Just don’t run away until you are enveloped with perfect peace.

Don’t fear, because I am with you;
    don’t be afraid, for I am your God.
    I will strengthen you,
    I will surely help you;
    I will hold you
    with my righteous strong hand.
(Isaiah 41:10, CEB)

Letting go of fear takes practice. The more we experience God’s help, the more willing we are to let go of fear in daily basis. But leaning on God is the only way to proceed with boldness. Because life is confusing and messy. But if if we are centered in God’s love, we can – by God’s grace –  stop living out of fear and experience the true freedom in Christ.

 Gracious God,
We praise you for your constant help and support.
Thank you for always being there for us.
Show us how to let go of our fears and
how to live out of your generous love.
Empower us with your grace to live boldly.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen

Marianna Frangen Stalnacke

http://www.flowingfaith.com