Overcoming the Seven Deadly Fears

For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me.

Job 3:25

A quick reading of the first thirty-three verses of the Book of Job reveals the terrible things that happened to Job. Sabeans stole his oxen and asses (1:14,15), lightning destroyed his sheep, as well as his servants (1:16), Chaldeans took his camels (1:17), a tornado blew down the house, killing his sons and daughters (1:18), festering boils broke out all over his body (2:7) and if that wasn't enough, in frustration, his wife encouraged him to curse God and die (2:9). The final blow came when his friends gathered around, not to comfort him, but you guessed it, to accuse him (2:11).

The Doorway of Fear

It is evident that the primary cause of Job's misery was the devil. However, note that Job opened the door of opportunity for Satan to enter. Scripture tells us that every evil which befell Job came to him through fear.

For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me.

Job 3:25

When you fully understand the following verse, you will see that Job had no reason to fear that God would take away the things He had given him.

... the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.

Romans 11:29

It is important to notice that of all the wonderful things God gave to Job, fear was definitely not one of them. The Scripture states clearly that fear does not come from God.

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

2 Timothy 1:7

Fear is a Negative Magnet

As Jesus went to heal the young ruler's daughter, messengers came from the ruler's house bringing bad news.

While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue’s house, saying to him, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master.

Luke 8:49

Notice how quickly our Lord warned the young ruler not to allow fear to overtake him.

But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole.

Luke 8:50

Jesus understood that if the young ruler began to fear, he would give Satan the opportunity to steal one of his most valuable possessions, his little daughter.

Fear actually draws disaster to you. Anytime you allow fear into your life, the windows of heaven close, and the gates of hell swing wide open.

Fear Kills

The following scripture drew my attention to the killing power of fear.

Men’s hearts failing them for fear....

Luke 21:26

Yes, there are fears that can destroy a person's will to live, or his ability to take action against the plan of the devil.

You Have Nothing to Fear

Here's the good news! You don't have to fear Satan. When you stand on God's Word, the devil doesn't have a chance against you. God says He will take up residence in you and make you greater than the evil one.

... greater is he [God] that is in you, than he [the devil] that is in the world.

1 John 4:4

Keep in mind that Jesus is not in you just on Sunday morning during the church service; He is permanently with you.

. . . I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Hebrews 13:5

The Seven Deadly Fears

The fears that attach themselves to mankind are too numerous to list. However, seven are so devastating, I must classify them as deadly.

These seven types of fear can quickly bring an end to every worthwhile thing you desire for your life, but you have power to overcome each one.

1. The Fear of the Unknown

Mankind tends to have a morbid curiosity about the future which is evident from the millions who refuse to start their day without carefully reading their horoscopes.

This curiosity is not limited to the lost. It is all too common among God's people. In fact, any time there is even a mild stir in world events, books about prophecy immediately become best sellers.

Now don't misunderstand. A certain amount of curiosity is normal, even healthy. However, when you combine curiosity about the unknown with fear of the unknown, it can become deadly. It will affect every aspect of your life.

Powerful Weapons Exist

God has provided powerful weapons against the fear of the unknown.

First, He won't leave you ignorant of coming events. God promises He will not act in the earth without first revealing His plan to His prophets.

Surely the Lord God will do nothing but, he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.

Amos 3:7

So drop the horoscope, disconnect the psychic hot line, and start listening more closely to God's preachers. The ministers who are truly hearing God will keep you up to date on His calendar of coming events.

Second, never forget that God has promised to work things to your benefit, even things that go wrong.

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

Romans 8:28,31,32

Be at peace about the future. God isn't going to hurt you. Trust and obey Him, and your future will be just great! When you place your full confidence in the Word of God, you will quickly place the fear of the unknown under your feet. God knows exactly what is going to happen next, and He plans to make your future a good one.

... I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11, NIV

2. The Fear of Death

The fear of death has tormented mankind since the beginning of time. Even to this day, the entire world is in the grip of this enemy. Let there be no mistake about it. Death does not discriminate. The Scripture even declares:

... it is appointed unto men once to die....

Hebrews 9:27

However, to the born-again believer, there is no reason to fear death.

Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he [Jesus] also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

Hebrews 2:14-15

Not only has our Lord delivered us from the fear of death, He has also removed the pain of death.

O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.

But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 15:55-57

When you place your full confidence in the Word of God, you will quickly place the fear of death under your feet. Don't let it interfere with God's plan for your life, for Jesus has completely conquered death.

. . . I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11, NIV

3. The Fear of Man

The fear of man can literally paralyze you. However, God says He will keep you safe from anything that evil men might try to bring against you.

The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe [from men].

Proverbs 29:25

Remember, as God's child, you are never alone. God promises to always be with you and protect you so that you never have to fear what men try to do to you.

... for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

Hebrews 13:5-6

When you place your full confidence in the Word of God, you will quickly place the fear of man under your feet. God has plans for you that no evil man can change.

... I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11, NIV

4. The Fear of Failure

In our goal-oriented society, it is easy to become overly concerned with the possibility of failure. When the fear of failure takes over, it seriously hinders God's plans for your life. However, if you will cast down the fear of failure by taking hold of God's specific promises for your ongoing success, you will never fail.

Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ....

2 Corinthians 2:14

. . . we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

Romans 8:37

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

Joshua 1:8

According to the Word, God has no failure planned for you. God says He wants to make you more than a conqueror and give you the good success you desire.

When you place your full confidence in the Word of God, you will quickly place the fear of failure under your feet. Be at peace; God has planned a life of victory for you.

. . . I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11, NIV

5. The Fear of Rejection

As a young boy, I suffered much rejection. I was a skinny kid and so clumsy at sports, it was humiliating to participate. The problem eventually grew so bad that I was in constant pain and fear of rejection. This fear plagued me until I got saved. Then, through the power of God, I found the way of overthrowing the pain of rejection. It was so uplifting to find that God actually wanted me, not just a little bit, but enough to promise me He would never reject me.

... him that cometh to me [Jesus] I will in no wise cast out.

John 6:37

According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

Ephesians 1:4,6

Just think about it. The King of kings and Lord of lords said He will in no wise cast you out, and He will always accept you. If the God of heaven accepts you, if He says you're okay, isn't it foolish to fear the rejection of man for even one more day?

Take courage, and cast off the painful fear of rejection. It has no more power over you. When you put your full confidence in the Word of God, you will quickly place the fear of rejection under your feet. God promises you acceptance and a good life.

. . . I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11, NIV

6. The Fear of Sickness

Those who walk in good health cannot fully understand what it is like to be really sick. However, even in good health, the fear of sickness can overtake you. This fear is a favorite tool of the devil, for he knows if he can plant the fear of sickness in you, he can cause that sickness to overtake you.

Remember, God's Word says fear is a negative magnet.

For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me.

Job 3:25

Hypochondria (the fear of sickness) has immobilized millions of people, so you should cast down the fear of sickness at the first hint of its presence. You can easily do so when you become fully aware of God's health protection plan.

. . . he [Jesus] was wounded for our transgressions, he [Jesus] was

bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his [Jesus’] stripes we are healed.

Isaiah 53:5

In addition to being covered with divine health through the atonement, all of God's children (including you) have power over sickness.

And these signs shall follow them that believe....

... they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

Mark 16:17-18

As long as you keep your trust in God and His promise of good health, there is no reason for you to fear sickness.

When you place your full confidence in the Word of God, you will quickly place the fear of sickness under your feet. God promises you a happy and healthy future.

. . . I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11, NIV

7. The Fear of Insufficiency

The economic system of the world controls most of the population through shortage. They measure the value of everything according to its availability.

As long as the takers are in possession of the majority of this world's goods, it will always appear there is not enough. Please keep in mind, there isn't a true shortage, but a greed-driven shortage. Because of this deception, the fear of insufficiency is always present with mankind. Its crippling effect can overtake you at any moment.

When this fear appears in believers, its purpose is usually to stop them from giving to God. If you allow the fear of insufficiency to come upon you, it will be very difficult for you to give properly.

However, the truth of God's Word concerning the abundance He has for you will quickly put the fear of insufficiency out of your life.

. . . I [Jesus] am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

John 10:10

According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

2 Peter 1:3

He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

Romans 8:32

You must never let Satan's lie of shortage fill your heart with fear. Instead, you must focus your attention on God's promise to give you abundance and everything you need for life and godliness.

When you put your full confidence in the Word of God, you will quickly place the fear of insufficiency under your feet. God has

. . . I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11, NIV

Cast Out All Fear

Under no circumstances must you allow fear of any kind to torment your mind. If any fear tries to overtake you, immediately cast it down in the name of Jesus. Then keep fear from returning by quoting the promises you find in the Word of God.

Above all else, you must remember, fear never comes from God.

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

2 Timothy 1:7

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