We all fear something. Whether it’s: fear for your health; the health of those you love; the safety of those you love; fear of parenting wrong; fear of death; fear of growing old; fear of losing someone; fear of rejection; fear of confrontation; fear of being alone; fear of loss; fear of success; fear of failure; fear of the future; etc.  You get the idea, the list could be endless.  The question is, what is the best way to overcome fear?

What’s the Best Way to Overcome Fear?

The best way to overcome fear is to pray. Have a conversation with God about what’s going on and why you are afraid.

Lay it all out. Every. Single. Thing. Swirling around in your brain. Tell Jesus what you’re afraid of and why you are afraid of it. Imagine Jesus sitting next to you on the couch. Or walking with you around the neighborhood. Talk to him like you would a friend to unload, vent.

After all prayer is a conversation with Jesus. Talk and unload, then rest and listen. Listen to the promises of scripture. Trust those promises. Which is how you train your mind to overcome fear.

How can I train my mind to overcome fear?

Trust God and His promises in scripture. It sounds simple, and yet it is so hard to do in practice. One verse that I have trusted and held close is Deuteronomy 31:8 which promises “It is the Lord who goes before you; he will be with you, he will not fail you or forsake you; do not fear or be dismayed.”

To trust in the promise, and train your mind, break it down and meditate on each part. The Deuteronomy verse is broken down below as an example.

The Lord goes before you. He is in the future clearing a path.  He is a trailblazer, cutting down all weeds and undergrowth to make a path to walk on tomorrow.  He knows the challenges for tomorrow and every other tomorrow afterwards.  He clears the way for you.

He will be with you.  He is with you in a real and personal way. Even though you may feel alone on your journey, he is always right beside you, right here, and right now. He is always with you.

He will not fail you or forsake you.  People let you down because they can’t provide everything you need. Spouses, friends, parents, children, and relatives are all imperfect people who have limitations, just as you do.  People fail you and leave you in some way whether it’s through betrayal, rejection, or death, however, God does not give up on you or abandon you.

Do not fear or be dismayed.  Much of life can be frightening. Gun violence. Death. Cancer. Job loss. Politics. No matter how much those things change, God’s character hasn’t changed. He still loves you, cares for you, and wants the best for you. In Him there is no fear.

In order to train your mind to be less fearful, focus on God’s promises in this scripture. God clears a path for you.  He walks alongside you.  He doesn’t wander off and leave you alone.  He loves you and yearns to spend time with you. You have a companion for the journey, someone loving, trustworthy and loyal. Trust His promises, even when afraid. Find promises relevant for your situation and post them where you can see them as reminders.

Yet you may find yourself asking if it’s possible to eliminate fear?

Is it possible to eliminate fear?

The answer is yes and no. If you take that first step of faith, even if it feels like you’re walking off a cliff, your fearful thoughts fade. Your trust in Jesus overcomes fear. While you will battle fear again in your life, remember to move forward in faith.

Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy. -Dale Carnegie

Action is powerful. Jesus frequently tells people to go and do. Whether it was the blind man to wash himself in the pool of Siloam (John 9:7), to the woman caught in adultery to go and sin no more (John 8:11) or the great commission to go and make disciples (Matthew 28:16). Jesus tells you to take action and move forward.

• And he answered them, “Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have good news preached to them. (Luke 7:22)
• Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:19)

Conclusion

You’ve poured out your heart to God laying out everything you’re afraid of. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us, Psalm 62:8.

You’ve placed your trust in His scriptural promises. For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

Now move forward in your plan. Take that first step. The Lord said to Moses, “Why do you cry to me? Tell the people of Israel to go forward. Exodus 14:15.