One of the most effective ways I’ve found for overcoming fear is to simply look that fear squarely in the face. In other words, define it: What am I fearing here? Is it worth being afraid of or at least considering? Ninety percent of the time, the thing I was afraid of isn’t worth fearing. And as soon as I see what it is, I can say, Oh, you aren’t scary at all. The other ten percent of the time, I can then take action to mitigate against whatever it is that makes me afraid – and which point, I don’t have to fear it anymore because it’s known, defined, and I’ve dealt with it as much as possible.
This method is good, but it doesn’t get down to the root issue of fear. Most fear is caused by believing a lie of one kind or another. The lies can be quite simple – I don’t think so-and-so will come through and deliver their work on time – or they can be quite complex and deep-rooted, as in when we don’t trust God to take care of our needs.
You can’t just stop believing a lie. Every lie must be replaced with truth. If the lie is only recognized, it gives us something to fight against, but only truth can replace the lie and make it powerless in your life.
So how do we replace lies with truth in the realm of fear? Well, here’s one process. Use it, modify it, and work through this with God – He gives us power that sets us free (Galatians 5:1).
1. When you are tempted to be afraid (or when you feel you are afraid), stop and ask God: What lie am I believing that is causing this fear?
2. Once you and God have identified the lie, ask God for forgiveness for believing the lie.
3. Ask God, “What truth can I use to replace this lie in my life?” He will probably give you a scripture, but it might be something else.
4. Thank God for His revelation and ask Him for the power to apply this in your life.
5. When the fear tries to rise again, intentionally remember the truth and choose it instead of the lie.
Some people like to take step 3 slightly differently:
3. Visualize yourself packaging up the lie, then hand it to Jesus. Ask Him, “What are you giving me in exchange for this lie?”
However you go about doing this, repetition is key. Keep standing on the truth God gives you and replacing the lie with truth. If the fear or lie is sticky and won’t leave, go through the steps again. There may be more than one lie contributing to your fear.
And remember – you are loved (Ephesians 5:1-2), always, no matter what you do, have done, or might do. No matter how much you fear or believe a lie, it doesn’t interrupt God’s love for you. Always remember you are loved, and it will evict most of the lies in your life!
