STEPS TO OVERCOMING FEAR IN YOUR LIFE

GENESIS 15:1

INTRODUCTION

Fear is a killer. Most of the things we fear never get to happen. Fear is an emotion and it can be overcome when you apply these eight steps. Fear is defined as a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain etc. Fear is felt in many forms. There is a fear of commitment, a fear of the unknown, fear of failure, fear of success, fear of relationships etc. Fear is a powerful emotion that can simply override all other feelings, logic or priorities. No matter how strong or courageous or bold you are, inevitable circumstances can entangle you in a web of your fears.

Let us learn:

I.  THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT FEAR.

1. Fear is an illusion, nonexistent in the physical world. Fear is neither tangible nor visible, but fear exists in our minds and manifests through our actions.
2. We bring fear to life, many times without need.
3. Fear plays a vital role in our lives, we would live with reckless abandon if we knew no notion of fear. If we had no fear we would be performing all sorts of dangerous activities.
4. The key is to distinguish between action which induces healthy acknowledgement of apprehension versus illogical triggers of fear which stifle our potential and limit our well-being.
5. Fear produces stagnancy because it causes us to batter against ourselves.
6. The rational part of our brain wars against our agitated emotions. The struggle for the stronger of the two causes great stress within a person.
7. We worry that our worst fears may come true. And exactly that which we fear ironically we bring to life.

• Conquering our fears begins with the acknowledgement that fear is a decision, not an inherent trait or needed component of life

II.  STEPS TO OVERCOMING FEAR IN YOUR LIFE

• These eight steps are going to make you live a fearless life. Let us use the ACRONYMS – FEARLESS

F- Face the truth

1. Face the truth of your fears. Face what scares you head-on and challenge your nervousness.
2. Separate necessary concerns from baseless fears. Chances are that many of your fears are unwarranted in the greater scheme of your life.
3. Remember, the unfortunate events which you fear will happen do not need to happen.

E – Erase Negative imprints

1. Many times, your fears stem from your own negative experiences or from witnessing the hardships of those around you. (divorce, Robbery attack, Barrenness, miscarriage, poverty, murder, rape, accidents etc)
2. You must remind yourself daily through simple affirmations and guided visualizations that your past is your past and whatever happened in your past which makes you afraid today, must be dealt with and its mental imprints removed permanently.

A – Allow change

1. People are by nature afraid of change. People fear that change will somehow disrupt their lives or uproot them from their comfort zone.
2. But, change serves to transport us into new greater manifestations of ourselves.
3. Allow necessary changes to come, your way even if they may seem frightening at first. Every instance of change serves a purpose towards your highest good. You will learn this in time.

R – Relax

1. Fear is an accumulation of too much stress or extended pressure.
2. A hectic life with too many responsibilities results in fear of failure.
3. It is essential that you take time out for yourself to relax, meditate and alleviate your anxieties. So calm down and remind yourself that God is ultimately in control.

L – Learn how to listen to God. You can hear from God through;

1. The study of the word of God (2Tim 2:15)
2. By hearing the word preached (Rom 10:17)
3. Meditate daily on the goodness of God (Joshua 1:8)
4. Commit your ways to the Lord (Prov. 3:5-7)

E – End Feuds.

1. When you fight with others, you draw fear into your relationships. Fear that others will betray, hurt or abandon you.
2. Make peace with those around you and understand their intentions are not to cause harm (Heb. 12:14, Phil. 4:2)

S – Selectivity

1. Be selective about what you want out of life and the things you decide to go after.
2. Be selective of the kind of friends you should move along with, if they instil fear in you, cut off from them. (Pro.13:20)
3. Select a vision for your future and stick to that mental projection until you have brought fully to life (Gen 11:6)

S –Secure in yourself and in God

1. In order to shun fear forever, you have to work on your self-esteem.
2. Fear arises from not believing enough in your abilities and talents which God has given you.
3. Don’t constantly live with the mindset of “I can’t do it” or “I am not good enough” you narrow your window of success (Phil.4:13)

CONCLUSION

• The role of fear is to keep us safe, but we do ourselves no favor by living in fear
• To awaken our potential and draw in bigger possibilities you must eradicate fear through daily efforts which promote your strength and self-security.
• You possess the inherent trait of everlasting courage in Jesus name. This everlasting courage will guide you throughout your life here on earth.
• Fear not Abram – “I am your shield and your very great reward.”