Fear is a big subject all on its own.
In 2021 with the Covid-19 pandemic raging, surveys indicated people’s top two fears were a loved one dying, or a loved one becoming seriously ill. Other things that people are fearful of include violence, terrorism, racism, being alone, civil unrest, and not having enough money for retirement. [1]
The world likes fear, exists on fear and wants us to bow to it—five minutes of any news program, and your fear is up a notch or two.
So what do we do?
It has been said that the most often repeated command in scriptures is “fear not” or “don’t be afraid” or some variation of this command. I am not sure if it is the most repeated command, but it is found over 100 times in the King James Version of the Bible. [2]
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”
1 John 4:18 NIV
Perfect love is God’s love—and God loves us unconditionally—it drives out fear! [3] Pause, pray, invite, meditate and soak up His love—it’s there for the taking, freely offered!
Made perfect in love—doesn’t that sound amazing?
Next, get ahold of your thought life. Fear is cyclical, every once in a while it catches us again, but we can control our thoughts and though feelings may come at us unbidden, we have the power to choose how we’ll react.
“Keep your thoughts continually fixed on all that is authentic and real, honorable and admirable, beautiful and respectful, pure and holy, merciful and kind. And fasten your thoughts on every glorious work of God, praising Him always.”
Philippians 4:8 TPT
Fear is powerful when combined with the lie that you are alone, that maybe you’re the only one who feels this way. It leaves you guessing about what you should believe or think, wondering about what is true.
“Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attached and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.”
Eccelsiastes 4:9-12 NLT
Enough said!
As we enter 2022, we need to remember that we have a good good Father who loves us unconditionally, and in the security of His love, we have nothing to fear.[4]
In 2022 let’s respond with hope rather than fear!
So here is your 2022 Challenge, step outside of your comfort zone and get involved in something bigger than you. Ignite Hope in your heart so you can ignite hope in others!
- ECO—Learn something new, challenge your ideas, igniting hope in your heart!
- Prayer & Beyond—Ignite hope through prayer the first Tuesday every month! (Zoom Meeting ID: 517 383 7633 | Passcode: 11111)
- She International Cohorts—These spots sell out fast! Join and find hope in all you do, bringing others along in the journey!
- Kairos Online—Discover God’s heart for the Nations, hope and light in this broken world.
- Ministry Mind Leadership Podcast—catch up on your listening!
Download & Print this small gift of Bible verse reminders—Hope over Fear!
- https://acop.ca/facing-2022-with-confidence-anticipation/ by Rev. Wes Mills
- Ibid.
- Ibid.
- Ibid.