Fear does not necessarily indicate a lack of faith. Sometimes, it signifies a lack of feeling safe. Choosing faith over fear is a journey we embark on and cultivate as a discipline.
Having faith in God over fear means trusting in God’s plan and provision, even in the face of uncertainty, difficulty or danger. Hebrews 11:1… faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
Faith over fear involves acknowledging and facing our fears but not allowing them to control or consume us. Instead, we choose to focus on God’s promises and character, believing that He is faithful and loving and that He is with us through every circumstance.
Faith in God allows us to find peace, hope, and courage even in the midst of fear and to live with a sense of purpose and meaning that rises above our present circumstances.
This is why David could confidently say Psalm 23:5 ‘You prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies.’
Embracing Faith in God Over Fear
Fear impacts us in three ways: Fear is physical. Fear is spiritual. Fear is emotional. Therefore, safety in the Lord means we can feel physically safe. Spiritually safe. Emotionally safe.
Romans 8:1-7 There is therefore now no condemnation (Emotional) for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, (Physical) in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life (Spirit) and peace.
We experience fear physically through our, our fight or flight response.
Gideon is listed in the N.T. as an example of someone who lived ‘by faith’ Hebrews 11:32–33.
Gideon knew the Lord, who spoke to him and told him he was going to give him victory over the Midianites Judges 7:9. Gideon ‘worshipped God’ v.15 even before he had won the battle. This demonstrated his faith and inspired the others. Such was Gideon’s faith that he went into battle with only 300 men – each with a torch in one hand and a trumpet in the other (‘leaving no chance to use swords’, v.20, AMP). Their faith and confidence was not in themselves but in God, who gave them a great victory.
Whatever battles you are facing today, put all of your confidence and trust in God instead of in your own ability to cope.
Like Gideon, resolve in faith to worship God ahead of the battle and walk with the boldness that comes from God-confidence. Whatever God has asked you to do may seem impossible for you, but it is not impossible for Him.
We experience emotional fear through turmoil, constant questioning and our beliefs, that can lead into anxiety, depression or sadness.
Proverbs 14:30 says, ‘A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh but envy makes the bones rot.’ “A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body; jealousy is like cancer in the bones.”
The enemy of our hearts is fear because it reminds us of the absence of our safety and security in Christ Jesus. (Choosing faith over fear, is knowing which one we are operating in.)
We experience fear spiritually. We read in scripture about two specific types of fear. One is good, which we are to fear (hold in reverence, high regard) the Lord, and the second is that fear can be a spirit.
Example: If you don’t feel like you can trust God or that God isn’t safe, kind, and good. You may find yourself avoiding reading your Bible or coming to church. Also, may also feel like you want to hide from God,
Proverbs 9:10 says, The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.
2 Timothy 1:7 says in the AMP, “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control].”
We can sometimes be as fearful about what Holy Spirit won’t do, as much as what He will.
Faith in Jesus fills the emptiness we experience and satisfies our spiritual hunger for purpose, permanence and pardon.
How Do We Choose Belief and Confidence?
Our emotional fears remind us of our unrenewed minds. And a spirit of fear reminds us we have an enemy that wants to kill, steal, and destroy us.
Fear is a direct result of sin. After the fall, we lost our safe dwelling place, which was one with God. We became a slave to sin, and our father became the devil, who is full of lies. We became separated from God, creating a spiritual death and no longer having access to the Kingdom of God.
In Genesis 3:7-10, we see two things happen in this portion of scripture – shame and fear enter the world. ‘They hid from God’ and ‘were afraid because they were naked.’
Romans 6:17-18 says, But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness.
‘But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance. You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.’
Romans also says that we become a slave to who ever/whatever we obey. We can very well become a slave to our fear leading to death or a slave to our faith which leads to righteousness.
Think of ourselves as sponges. Whatever substance a sponge is soaking in will come out when the sponge is wrung out. Our lives are similar. Faith over fear requires us to recognise which one we are soaking in the most.
Growing in Faith and Letting Go of Fear
A question we need to ask ourselves: What are we trying to carry what Jesus has already taken upon Himself?
Psalm 91:1, ‘He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.’
To dwell is to ‘abide as a permanent resident.’ How many know, We can be born again without abiding in Christ?
God is love Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 1 John 4:8 so to abide in God means we have to abide in love 1 John 4:16…God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. The Hebrew word that was translated as ‘shadow’ here is ‘tsale’(sale) and it was translated as ‘defence.’ Those continuously trusting in the Lord will have Him come to their defence. When we are in the presence of God, a transformation has to happen because He is a holy God.
Moses took off his sandals, recognising the difference between God and him. Moses was on holy ground. Something changes about us when we enter into the presence of God.
It’s our proximity to God that demands change. Safety is restored every time we are in His presence, and He comes to our defence. Choosing faith over fear requires intimacy with God
Psalm 91:2, I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
Our response is our responsibility. The psalmist says, ‘I will say.’ It’s an active response to our faith in Jesus. It’s a confession. Say this with me, God, you are my refuge. God, you are my fortress. God, it’s you who I trust.
Psalm 91:3, For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence.
Fowler is one who snares birds. This verse implies that even if we are in the snare, God is going to save us. Meaning that when we make a mistake and mess up, He doesn’t leave us in our mess.
Cultivating a Life of Trust and Hope in God
Spend time in prayer and meditation. One of the best ways to deepen your faith is by spending time in prayer and meditation. Take time each day to reflect on God’s character and promises, and ask for His guidance and wisdom in your life. Journaling, scripture reading, and listening to worship music can also be helpful in cultivating a deeper connection with God.
Surrender control. Walking by faith requires surrendering control over our life to God. This can be difficult, as we often want to hold on to our own plans and agendas. However, true faith involves trusting that God’s plans are better than our own and that He is working all things together for our good.
Seek wise counsel. Walking by faith doesn’t mean we have to go it alone. Seek out wise counsel from trusted friends, mentors, or pastors who can offer support and guidance on your journey. It’s important to surround yourself with people who will encourage us in our faith.
Step out in obedience. Faith requires action. As you seek to walk by faith, be willing to step out in obedience to what God is calling you to do. This may involve taking risks, facing challenges, or making sacrifices. Trust that Holy Spirit will provide the strength and resources you need to follow His lead.
Have a long-term perspective. Finally, walking by faith requires embracing a long-term perspective. Recognise that your journey of faith will have ups and downs and that there may be seasons of waiting, struggle, or disappointment. However, trust that God is faithful and that He is working all things together for your good. Keep your eyes fixed on Him, and stay committed to growing in your faith over time.
Finding Strength in God’s Promises
Psalm 91:4-6, He will cover you with his pinions and under his wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.
1 John 3:1 See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.
It’s when we choose God that brings comfort during our chaos.
When we are aware of fear in our lives, we can repair our fear and restore ourselves back to safety by beholding (being held by) God and resting in the shadow of the Almighty.
Choosing faith over fear requires discipline and training.
In the presence of God, we are emotionally safe, physically safe, and spiritually safe. Let’s choose faith over fear. We may still have fear but let’s remain faithful.