In our previous discussions we have seen how fear can affect our minds and bodies like a poison. Just like many chemical poisons, there is an antidote to fear. Actually, I found six mentioned specifically in the Bible. God never tells us to do anything without giving us the means to do it.
The first is trust. Sounds simple. Fear, worry, anxiety. At the core of these emotions is a lack of trust in God. Therefore, it would make sense that to have trust would be the opposite and an antidote. Take a look at these verses:
- Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God (I will praise His word), In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me? Psalm 56:3-4
- In God I have put my trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? Psalms 56:11
- Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, And whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, Which spreads out its roots by the river, And will not fear when heat comes; But its leaf will be green, And will not be anxious in the year of drought, Nor will cease from yielding fruit. Jeremiah 17:7-8
- As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not be afraid; only believe.” Mark 5:36
These also seem to suggest trust and believing are choices. It is not a feeling. Yet we can ask God for help this. He never asks us to do something without making it possible.
The second antidote is rejoicing! “Fear not, O land; Be glad and rejoice, For the Lord has done marvelous things!” Joel 2:21 It is difficult to be filled with fear when one is rejoicing.
The third is love. The kind of love that comes from God—perfect love. “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:18 Love and fear cannot coexist.
The fourth is looking to how God has led in the past. Much like the old song, “Count Your blessings.” “Look to the past and see how God has led you through other difficulties. …you shall not be afraid of them, but you shall remember well what the Lord your God did to Pharaoh and to all Egypt…” Deuteronomy 7:18
Fifth is song. “Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; ‘For Yah, the Lord, is my strength and song; He also has become my salvation.” Isaiah 12:2 Fear diminishes when one is singing or listening to uplifting music. Taking the actual action of singing engages one’s mind more than simply listening and may be more effective. Many times when I have been afraid, I sing. It amazes me how this can diminish my fear.
Sixth and last is seeking God. “I sought the Lord, and He heard me, And delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4 He can and will help us with our fears. Much of my life I have not known how to give God my fears to handle. Do you ever wonder how to do that? We will be talking about this in our last part of this series.
With these tools and God at our side, we are armed to fight the battle and conquer fear, worry or anxiety completely!
