You Can Conquer Your Fear
Devotion: Term 3, Week 3
According to psychiatric reference, approximately two thousand classified fears exist. What’s interesting is that psychiatrists say we are born with only two innate ones: the fear of falling and the fear of loud noises. That means we learn every other fear. And more importantly, that means we can unlearn every other fear. The majority of us are shaped, for better or worse, by a handful of experiences. These defining experiences can plant a seed of confidence or a seed of uncertainty, a seed of hope or a seed of vulnerability, a seed of faith or a seed of fear. John expresses the end goal of our relationship with God: ‘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).
The words ‘perfect love’ does not describe our love for God, but rather God’s unconditional, unearned, unfailing love for us. A pastor writes: ‘The goal of love is fearlessness! As we grow in a love relationship with God, we unlearn the fears that paralyse us and neutralise us spiritually. That is the essence of faith. Faith is the process of unlearning your irrational fears. The only God-ordained fear is the fear of God. And if we fear [love, honour, reverence, and respect] God, we don’t have to fear anyone or anything else.
Unlearning our fears is really a process of learning to trust God more and more.’ One of the greatest promises God has given to us in Scripture is this: ‘… For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we may boldly say: “The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man to do me?”’ (Hebrews 13:5-6 NKJV).
SoulFood: 2 Sam 22:31 – 24:25 Luke 8:26-39 Ps 140 Pro 18:21-22
The Word for Today is authored by Bob and Debby Gass and published under licence from UCB International Copyright 2024
Other Devotions
Devotion – Always ask, ‘What does the Bible say?’
Paul writes: ‘Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.
Devotion – Always ask, ‘What does the Bible say?’
Paul writes: ‘Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.
Devotion – Get into the Right Environment
When you encounter someone who tries to ‘cut you down to size’, remind yourself they are probably trying to cut you down to their size. So, what should you do? Love them, but don’t be overly influenced by what they say. As a rule, instead of staying where you’re tolerated, go where you’re appreciated!