Overcoming Fear Through Prayer and Faith: A Journey to Inner Peace

Fear strikes terror in the hearts of many. The fear of being broke, homeless, or dying. Fear of sickness or divorce and many other reasons can cause us to quiver and become frightened and so petrified that we are unable to act. Fear is a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, fear of the unknown, fear of failure, fear of rejection, and so on. Whether the threat is real or imagined, the feeling or condition of being afraid exists. The uncertainties, insecurities, and uncontrollable aspects of life can grip our hearts, paralyze our actions, and hinder personal growth.

 What is Fear?

Fear is a universal human reaction that we experience at different points in our lives. It is a natural emotion that can be helpful when it alerts us to potential dangers or motivates us to act. However, fear can also be harmful when it becomes excessive, irrational, or paralyzing. Fear can prevent us from living fully and joyfully, and from fulfilling our God-given purpose.

 

The Bible consistently tells us not to fear or be afraid, but that seems impossible for us to do because fear is a natural emotion. Fear, I believe, is a God-given mechanism that helps us face and overcome difficult situations.  Once you are in a dangerous situation your awareness is triggered. The amygdala, a small organ in the center of your brain, becomes active and it signals your nervous system to initiate the fear response in your body. Stress hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline, are released, leading to an increase in your blood pressure and heart rate. This is known as the fight-or-flight response.

 

Curiously, individuals who revel in experiences like bungee jumping, riding roller coasters, visiting haunted houses, or watching horror movies, find pleasure in these moments of fear. The enjoyment extends beyond the conclusion of the activity due to the excitation transfer process. Even after the scary experience concludes, the body and brain remain aroused. In these situations, the brain produces increased levels of dopamine, a chemical associated with pleasure. Fear can be good or bad, it depends on how we react to fear and how we manage the situations which trigger it. 

  

How Does the Lord Jesus Teach Us to Handle Fear

The popular acronym FEAR is for - False Evidence Appearing Real. When a situation arises that triggers the fear reaction, we often anticipate the worst, and we become afraid of the consequences that may result. 

 

Jesus teaches us to fear Him only. This typically means to have reverential awe, respect, and acknowledgment of God's power, holiness, and authority. Proverbs 9:10 states, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." This kind of fear is seen as a positive and constructive attitude that leads to wisdom and a right relationship with God. In essence, the fear of the Lord in a positive sense, is not about being terrified of punishment but about acknowledging God's greatness and living in a way that aligns with His will. It's a recognition of His sovereignty and an understanding of our dependence on Him for guidance and wisdom. So, while the terminology may seem contradictory at first glance, it reflects different aspects of the relationship between humans and the Divine.

 

The essence of the bible is about relationships - the relationship between God and man and between man and man. In Matt 22: 36 – 40 a Pharisee asked Jesus, “Master, which is the great commandment in the law?  Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”

 

When you and I love the Lord intensely, we recognize that He is our Father, that He is a good Father, and that every good father takes care of his children. Fathers prepare their children to be successful in life so that when they become adults, they can take care of themselves and be good citizens. Similarly, the Lord Jesus Christ is preparing us to rule and reign with Him and He wants us to grow to be like Him. When we study the life of Jesus, we recognize that regardless of the situation that He was in, He had no fear. In the storm when His disciples were going crazy with fear, He told them to be calm and fear not. He wants us to develop this quality.

 

Developing an anxiety-free mind is a process of growth over time. We should learn to fix our thoughts on Jesus and the promises that He has made towards us while learning to Trust Him. This helps us to alleviate fear and anxiety. In Philippians, chapter 4, the Bible instructs believers not to be anxious about anything, but to bring their requests before God through prayer and supplication with thanksgiving. The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7). Instead of dwelling on fear, focus on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise (Philippians 4:8-9).

 

Many times, I get fearful especially when something goes wrong, and I am afraid of the consequences. This causes me not to be able to sleep, and sometimes my heart begins to beat very fast. What I usually do when I find myself in these situations, is to recite bible verses that speak to my fear of the situation. This begins to calm me. Next, I read some bible verses, and then pray. I pray according to the word of God and His promises and after a while, I find that my mindset begins to change. Gradually, I begin to focus on how to overcome the challenge.

 

To overcome fear, we have to identify and acknowledge the source. Understanding the source of fear can help us to address it more effectively. We can practice deep breathing to calm the body's physiological responses. Relaxation techniques, such as meditation or progressive muscle relaxation, can also be helpful.

 

We then need to challenge and reframe negative thoughts that are contributing to our fear. We can replace irrational fears with more realistic and positive perspectives by focusing on what Jesus says, not on our situation. When we gradually expose ourselves to the source of our fear in such a controlled manner, this can help to desensitize the response to the fear over time.

 

We need to seek support by talking to friends, family, or a mental health professional about our fears. Sharing your feelings can provide support and bring different perspectives. We develop coping strategies such as problem-solving, seeking social support, or engaging in activities that bring joy and relaxation. We should keep informed by seeking knowledge about the fear-inducing situation. This can empower us and reduce uncertainty.

 

If fear becomes overwhelming or significantly impacts your daily life, consider seeking help from a mental health professional who can provide guidance and support. Remember, managing fear is a gradual process, and what works for one person may not work for another. Experiment with different strategies and find what works best for you in managing and overcoming your fears. Do not allow fear to have dominion over you and to become a stronghold in your life.

 Fear is overcome by faith in God and His Word. Trust that He is sovereign over all things and has a plan for your life (Jeremiah 29:11). Meditate on Scripture that reminds you of His promises and faithfulness. We should practice living a life of integrity by being honest, trustworthy, and faithful in all that we do. When we walk according to God’s principles, we can trust Him to guide us through difficult situations. As you take your fears before the Lord, name the things that you are scared of, whether it’s disease, loss, economic challenges, or political turmoil, and ask God to transform your fears into His peace (Philippians 4:6-7).

Remember that true peace comes from a relationship with Jesus Christ. Also, bear in mind that fear can keep you safe in certain circumstances. The fear of being killed by a car helps us to be more careful on the road. The fear of being robbed causes us to be more conscious of our surroundings, and to make wise decisions on how we store and protect our belongings.

 

Faith is the cornerstone of our spiritual beliefs. It is an unwavering trust and belief in the Lord Jesus’ plan for us. Cultivating faith involves surrendering to the notion that there is a purpose beyond our comprehension and that challenges are opportunities for growth. In the face of fear, faith serves as a beacon of light, illuminating the path toward inner peace. It provides the assurance that, no matter how daunting the circumstances may be, there is a greater force guiding us through the darkness. Through faith, we find the courage to face our fears head-on, armed with the conviction that we are not alone on our journey.

 

 

Conclusion: 

In the complex tapestry of human emotions, fear is a thread that weaves its way into our lives. However, by embracing the practices of prayer and faith, individuals can unravel the knots of fear, and find inner peace and strength. The journey to overcoming fear through prayer and faith is a deeply personal and transformative one, offering solace, guidance, and the realization that, even in the face of uncertainty, there is a source of unwavering support. As we navigate the challenges of life, may we find courage in prayer, strength in faith, and the resilience to face our fears with grace and confidence.