Finding Freedom From Fear

Scriptures: 2 Timothy 4:16-18, Psalms 23:4, Hebrews 13:6, 1 John 4:18

Perfect Love Drives out Fear 

1 John 4:18

Fear causes anxiety, dread, alarm, fright, panic, and terror. It causes all kinds of unpleasant emotions, phobias, neuroses, and even the more serious psychotic disorders. The torment of fear is one of the worst problems we humans face. God’s Word teaches that being a slave to fear indicates that we have not been made perfect in love. We are not fully grasping (perfecting) God’s love and care of God for us. As a result, we are not loving other people like we should; we are not growing more and more in love. 

In addition, being gripped by fear indicates when we are inward-focused. Our eyes are on ourselves, not on God and others like they should be.

In summary, we can only be set free from fear by the perfect love of God. The more we know of God’s love and care and the more we love other people, the more fear is conquered in our lives. The reason is clearly seen in the promises of God. God loves us so much that He will take care of us through all the trials and temptations of life, no matter what they are.

Study Questions:

• Are you grasping the love and care God has for you?
• What does it look like for you to love other people?
• Do you believe that if you loved other people more and more, that your fears could be conquered?
• Take time to pray for the Lord’s love to flow out of you; that you would grow more and more in love. Pray for the strength to love even the most unlovable of people. 

Scriptures: Romans 8:31, Psalms 27:1, Deuteronomy 31:6, Isaiah 41:10

God’s Promises

Isaiah 41:10, 13, 14

God spoke these encouraging words to His people to help them endure captivity. God assured His people that He would protect them in the here and now, in the present distress they were experiencing. No doubt God’s promise of freeing His people from the coming captivity was very encouraging, especially to the true believers who were to endure the Babylonian captivity. But they needed far more than just a distant, future hope of deliverance. Righteous believers needed to know that God was with them day by day in their present painful circumstances. So God met their need and gave them a most wonderful promise: whether in the present or in the future and in whatever circumstances, God’s people were not to fear. His encouraging words to His people of old are also for His people living today. He gives three reasons why, as believers, we should not be anxious or afraid.

First, we are not to fear because He Himself will be with us (v.10). He will strengthen and help us and uphold us with His right hand—His righteous, victorious hand.

Second, we are not to fear because He will hold our right hands and help us as we face our enemies (v.13). Note the close relationship being stressed here: the Lord tells you that He is “your God” and that He will take “hold of your right hand.” He will “help you.” Meditating on this promise should give enormous encouragement to you when you are facing difficult circumstances and hardships.

Third, we are not to fear because He is our Redeemer (v.14). He has redeemed us with the blood of His very own Son. And He will protect us and give us everything we need (Romans 8:32).  

Study Questions:

• Do you find assurance in God’s promises? 
• Do these promises alleviate your fears?
• How can you give your fears over to God?

Scriptures: 2 Timothy 1:7, Acts 1:8, Acts 4:33, Ephesians 1:18-19, Ephesians 3:16, Colossians 1:11

A Spirit Not of Fear

2 Timothy 1:7

God has not given us the spirit of fear or timidity. Too often believers fear using their gifts. They fear speaking up for Christ and the gospel. Being very honest, we have all experienced these fears at one time or another. Consequently, we failed to witness—to use our gift in speaking up for Christ and in proclaiming the gospel.

Is it possible to keep from fearing if we live for Christ in this world, a world that is so evil and abusive? How can we keep from being apprehensive if we witness for Christ day by day? How can we be bold when the world thinks that religion is to be kept in the church and not out in the world? How can we stand up for Christ when people mock and poke fun at anyone who lives for Christ? How can we stand for what God’s Word says is right? This verse tells us how: we let God equip us. God’s equipment does not include fear. The fact is clearly stated: God does not give us the spirit of timidity; God gives us the spirit of love and power, and of self-discipline. The word “spirit” means the believer’s spirit: the Holy Spirit of God actually injects power, love, and self-discipline into the spirit of the believer.

Study Questions:

• How can you let God equip you daily? Moment by moment?
• Do you tend to be fearful when it comes to speaking up for Christ? If yes, why?
• How can you live out the spirit of love and power and self-discipline? In what ways do you think your life would be changed?  

Scriptures: Psalms 34:4, John 15:11, 1 Peter 5:7, Psalms 18:6, Psalms 116:1-6

Seeking Christ in Light of Fears

Psalms 34:4

David had already experienced a number of terrors in his young life: a lion, a bear, and a giant pagan warrior. Now, the jealous, unstable king of his own nation was pursuing him. Most recently, he had foolishly fled into enemy territory, where he found himself staring straight into the eyes of Gath’s king and his guards. In each of these terrifying circumstances, David’s life was on the line. Gripped by the gravity of the situation at hand, David sought the Lord, earnestly asking Him for His guidance and protection. In every case, God heard and answered by giving him strength and guidance. The Lord had delivered David from these dangers by empowering him to fight his enemy or by showing him how to escape.

You may not be going up against a lion, bear, or giant pagan warrior. Your fears may be more internal. You may be battling the fear of cultural pressures, of failure, or incompetence, or even of committing to something. With David, his eyes that were darkened with doom suddenly sparkled with courage, hope, and joy. When you give your fears to the Lord, He can change your crippling anxieties into courage, hope, and joy.

Study Questions:

• Are you seeking Christ in the midst of your fears? 
• How can you seek Christ while also battling internal or external fears?
• Christ wants to lift you from the burden of carrying your fears all by yourself. He wants to guide you and protect you. Discover what it looks like for you to release your fears to God, and for him to change those fears into courage, hope, and joy.

Scriptures: Psalms 56:3-4, Hebrews 13:6, Psalms 100:1-5

Trust in God

Psalms 56:3–4

David had unwisely placed himself in a situation that intensified his fear: not only was Saul seeking his life, but Achish and the officials of Gath were also considering what to do with him. David confronted his fear with unwavering trust in the Lord and by praising the Lord for the reliability of His Word. Years earlier, God had chosen and had secretly anointed David to be Israel’s future king. Now, David was buoyed by the confidence that God would fulfill that which He had promised. Secure in God’s sovereign plan for his life, David determined that he would not fear what mortal man could do to him. No human being could overrule God’s purpose for his life.

Trusting in the Lord like David did can eliminate any fear you have. Praising God and relying on His Word produces resilience and trust in God that will give you confidence that His ultimate purposes for your life will prevail even in the state of fearing particular outcomes. 

“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” – Corrie ten Boom

Study Questions:

• What can you do to praise God amidst fear?
• Do you believe God’s purposes are good? 
• Resilience and trust in God’s purposes takes intentionality. Be intentional with going before God this week in prayer. Pray that he would change your fears into praises.

Scriptures: Psalms 23:4, Psalms 138:7, Isaiah 43:1-2

Through The Darkest Valley

Psalms 23:4

Some scholars think the valley of the shadow of death was the name of an actual valley, an extremely dangerous one, through which shepherds and their flocks were forced to cross. Valleys are symbols of the darkest times of life. The valley of the shadow of death speaks of life’s gravest circumstances, fearful occasions when death is a real possibility. David testified that he was not afraid to walk through life’s darkest valleys. Although he was defenseless, he was not alone in the peril: his Shepherd was with him. The Lord would protect him and keep him close to His side. David was comforted—turned from fear and terror—because his Shepherd was skillfully armed with His rod and His staff.

David was fearless in the valley because he knew his Shepherd would protect him from all deadly threats, including his own waywardness. His Shepherd would keep him close to His side in the darkness and would be with him through every step until he passed safely through to the light on the other side.

Study Questions:

• Are you walking through some sort of valley right now? Have you sought comfort from God?
• Do you trust that your Father has you close to his side and that you are protected by him always?
• Do you see the light on the other side of your current dark time or fear? 

Scriptures: Joshua 1:9, Ephesians 6:10-13, 2 Chronicles 15:7, 1 Corinthians 16:13, 2 Timothy 2:1

Strong and Courageous in the Lord

Joshua 1:9

We must be strong and courageous as we march through life. Fear and discouragement can be conquered only with strength and courage brought by the firm realization of God’s presence. God is with us, and He will never leave nor forsake us. This is His promise to us just as it was to Joshua. His unfailing presence is always with us wherever we go. Therefore, we must stand strong and courageous against all the enemies, trials, and temptations that confront us. No matter how many crushing problems, tough situations, or difficult people we face—no matter how many lustful temptations or terrifying trials we face—God is right there with us. God will deliver us and give us victory over the enemy that confronts us. We must stand strong and courageous, conquering all opposition and fulfilling our task for the Lord.

Study Questions:

• It is not always easy to be strong and courageous. How can you build up a heart full of courage and strength? 
• Are you confident in the promise that God’s unfailing presence is always with you?
• God does not want us to cower in fear of the enemy. He wants us to find strength and courage in His powerful, constant presence within us. Ask Him to transform your weakness into courage and strength that bring Him glory and bring rest to your fears.