“What would you do if fear wasn’t a factor?”
I sifted the velvet tassels through my fingers and adjusted the sofa pillow on my lap. My counselor sat across from me and smiled holding a clipboard and pen, ready to dive into my inner world. It was my first appointment. The electric fireplace warmed the atmosphere as I thought about what else I would do if I stopped allowing fear to take over my life.
“I would start a blog.”
I remember dreaming about becoming an author when I won first place in elementary school for my cloth-covered book. That dream never died. Words felt like they were stirring in my soul, and starting a blog seemed like a great way to share the hope of Christ in my life. I didn’t know if I had the courage to face my fear of what people would think of me. I had deep fears of being misunderstood, rejected, and making mistakes in front of others.
Even though I’d been a Christian since I was seven-years-old, I hadn’t realized how much fear crippled my faith. I had bold faith moments in my life, but they were just that—moments. The spirit of fear still seemed to hover over me like a dark cloud. I struggled to live confidently in God’s purpose for me.
I wanted more than just moments of bold faith. I wanted an attitude of faith. Share on X
One day, I poured out my heart to the Lord and told him how tired I was of being so afraid all the time. Finally, all the fears I’d held inside escaped in sobs and I told God everything I was afraid of. Things like being terrified of getting in a car accident, my children getting sick, and worrying about what people thought about me. I was listening to praise music, and the words “Oh, how he loves us” kept repeating. Over and over again. It was as if God was speaking them to me.
In that moment, all my fears were quieted by the love of God.
“For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” Zephaniah 3:17 NLT
1 John 4:18 tells us that perfect love drives out fear. God’s love for us arms us with strength and courage.
I made the decision to stop allowing fear to rule my life that day. Then I became a student of my own anxieties, dissecting how fear had overtaken areas my faith.
I learned to differentiate healthy fears (natural fear) that protected me from danger and unhealthy fears that held me back from living God’s purpose for me.
The best questions I asked myself when deciding what fears to face were: Does this fear have a hold on me? Does this fear prevent me from accomplishing God’s purpose for my life? From loving others?
I prayed about what fears God wanted me to overcome first. One of them was my fear of driving on freeways. And another was learning to live confidently in who God made me to be and what he’s called me to do.
The more I stepped into my fears, even when I was afraid, the more I quenched the spirit of fear. Fear doesn’t rule me anymore. That doesn’t mean I don’t still struggle with it. Worry is my greatest temptation. But when anxiety tries to hold me down, I fight back.
Franklin D. Roosevelt said: “Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the assessment that something else is more important than fear.”
Maybe today you want to live like your faith is more important than your efforts to protect yourself. It starts with recognizing fear’s hold on you and then deciding to follow Jesus wherever he asks you to go and whatever he wants you to do.
Today, facing fear feels more like expectancy—waiting to see how God will lead, excited to see what his next step is. As I learn to recognize and listen to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, I’ve discovered the active presence of God in my life enabling me to take bold steps and fear less.
During Paul’s imprisonment, he wrote amazing letters to encourage his dear friend Timothy. He spoke of Timothy’s great faith and exhorted him not to let fear hinder his ministry and the gifts God gave him. Paul recognized how fear can be a hindrance to the work God wants to do in and through us. The fact that Timothy loved the Lord and was still warned by Paul, shows us that we are all susceptible to allowing fear to hold us back from going forward with confidence in God’s calling for us.
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” (1 Timothy 1:7)
Paul tells Timothy to “stir up the gift of God which is in you,” or in other versions, “to fan into flame the gift within you.”
“For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” 2 Corinthians 3:17 (NLT)
When you choose to follow Jesus and believe Christ died for your sins and rose again, you receive the gift of the Holy Spirit! The same resurrection power that raised Jesus from the dead lives inside you. The Holy Spirit gives you the strength and courage to face your fears. We have to stir up our gift and use the power God gave us to face our fears.
The spirit of fear will try and keep you from living God’s purpose for your life. It will suck the joy right from you and hinder your capability to see past yourself and love others. Share on X
The Holy Spirit is our greatest weapon in this spiritual battle. The Word of God is our ammunition. Share on X
The Holy Spirit guides you on your own personal journey. He’s your Good Shepherd and will lead you gently, one step at a time.
“We are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world…and against evil spirits in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12 NLT).
When we choose to have courage by trusting in who God is, we grow a spirit of faith.
What would you do if fear wasn’t a factor? Share on X
I’d like to share with you 10 things that have helped me trust in who God is and smother the spirit of fear.
10 Ways to Smother the Spirit of Fear
- Think about your fears. What fears are healthy? When do you think healthy fear becomes unhealthy? How have unhealthy fears affected your life? What does freedom look like for you? What fears have a hold on you?
- Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you and help you face your fears.
- Listen for the voice of God (Be still before him. Pray and spend time in His word so you can discern the leading of the Holy Spirit.) He will speak to your heart and lead you to and through your next step of faith.
- Put on the Spiritual Armor of God. (Ephesians 6:10-18)
- Choose to follow Jesus where he leads and obey him.
- Replace the lies of your fears with the truth of who God is (See my free PDF of fear-fighting verses).
- Take it one step at a time (God will help you know how big or small each step is)
- Document your progress and your next step.
- Confide in a friend and ask them to pray for you.
- Thank the Lord ahead of time for His provision, protection, and promises.
I was so thankful Alisa Nicaud invited me to be a part of the Freedom from Fear blog tour. During the month of April, bloggers who write about fear, got together to offer a blog post and free resources to help fight fear. You can find their posts here.
We got together to offer these free resources to help you fight fear!
I want to support you in your journey. If you enter a prayer request for the fears you are battling, I will write a prayer for you in my reply.
Dear Lord,
I believe you died on the cross for my sins and rose again. Thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit. Help me to walk in the spirit of your strength and not in the spirit of fear. Help me to have the courage to obey when you call me out into deeper faith. Help me to discern your voice above the voice of fear and self-doubt. I will not allow fear to hinder the use of my spiritual gifts. I love you, Lord. You keep my mind at peace.
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Hello there! I'm Valerie, a mom of four and wife of 27 years. My writing inspires others to cultivate courageous faith and find solace in trusting God, especially in moments of fear and uncertainty. Join me on this adventure as we explore the beauty of trusting God when we are afraid. 
Prayers for public speaking. I struggle with making presentations. My heart and mind flood with anixety, fear and worry. I ask for agreement in prayer that this no longer be a struggle for me. I pray for the courage to face and overcome this in Jesus’s name.
I have a presentation tomorrow .
How did this presentation go?
Dear Valerie I ask you to help with all my inner fears anxiety’s I am totally afraid of every day things just seating down to eat a meal I am frightened that my anxiety will overwhelm me as it does from time to time. I start to sweat then I panic then I am overwhelmed with fear. I just want to be in control of my fear and live a normal life I am so anxious and unhappy
Dear Gillian, I’m so sorry for your struggle with anxiety. Have you been able to see a doctor about it? I know a lot of people may need medication to help them with panic attacks, anxiety, and depression. There is nothing wrong with seeking help…you are not alone. Dear Lord, I pray for Gillian. You see what she is going through. You know every fear that grabs her and tries to steal her joy and peace. Lord when her heart is overwhelmed help her to be calmed by your peace and care for her. Lead her to others who can support her through this. Steady her thoughts on you and ease her anxiety. Lord I pray she can find joy in you and strength to face each day with hope. Thank you for hearing our cries for help.
Valerie, I struggle with fear that keeps me from enjoying trips with my family that require flying, etc. I have to fly on Tuesday for work and I am afraid I won’t be able to get on the plane. My fear centers around being scared of dying, being stuck, among other things. I want to overcome my crippling fears so that I may live the life God has in store for me. I am a Believer! I struggle with trust and fear.
Donna, when you read this it will be past your trip. I’m not sure if you’ll see my reply, but I want you to know I”ve been praying for you. I loved to know how that flight went. I flew by myself for the first time about 3 years ago. I’m working on a book about how learning to fear God helps us fight fear. It was only by the power of the Holy Spirit that I was able to find the courage to face my greatest fears. Traveling alone was one of them. I learned there’s the kind of fear that cowers and the kind of fear that walks ahead even when you’re afraid. The later is the healthy kind of fear that learns to trust God in the middle of fear. I know it’s no easy! I recommend a book that helps you face these kind of fears gradually using Exposure Therapy. It’s called the Anxiety and Phobia Workbook. Here’s the link: https://amzn.to/2MAUPWJ
Hi I am struggling with the fear of being left behind my children and I , the Lord has lately showed me that I have sin in my life that He has been trying to get my attention about for years and now I’m gripped with fear that I have gone to far seeing how the time is so close for His return I sense the Lord is telling me. To be still which I’m finding so hard because my whole body is suffering from the affects of anxiety ..could you pray with me that I can overcome my fears thankyou
Thank you for sharing your heart. I’m so sorry you’re struggling with anxiety. The Bible says if you believe in your confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead you will be saved. God doesn’t want you to be afraid of your salvation. Jesus Christ came to earth, lived a perfect life, and died for our sins to save us. We are saved by grace through faith, not by what we do. Our obedience comes out of a desire to love God. After Jesus’ death and resurrection, He gave Christians the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit helps us to live godly lives. There are a series of posts on my blog about how the Holy Spirit helps us. Have you ever prayed to receive Christ as your personal Lord and Savior? If not, you can pray this prayer right here and now. “Dear Lord, I believe that you died on the for my sins and rose again. Thank you for taking all my guilt and shame. Forgive me and help me to turn towards you when I’m tempted to sin. Thank you for giving me the gift of your Holy Spirit. I draw near to you. Lord help me to live in your spirit of freedom. In Jesus’ name take away the spirit of fear that has a hold on me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”
“And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life” (1 John 5:11-13).
Salvation is a gift of grace. Ephesians 2:8 says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.”
Romans 10:13. Let us also be secure in knowing that “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved”
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8,9).
“And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life” (1 John 5:11-13).
Hey! I also struggle with social anxiety. That lead me into disobedience many times and now I feel like I’m in a pit. God helped me to repent and what’s interesting is that my spiritual situation didn’t change. I keep getting messsages to wait. I thought about it and in this waiting God wants me to learn many things… It seems we are almost at the same point. You are not alone <3
Hi I have had a period of insomnia whilst pregnant. I was so overwhelmed that I wasn’t sleeping enough I became anxious about sleep and now even though I do sleep my heart always beats fast when going to bed. I also have a tight chest when I think about the whole experience. I know and believe God is the giver of sleep and I love sleep. I pray about this constantly and ask for the Holy Spirit’s help. I just want that feeling of anxiety to go as it so is not who God wants me to be. I don’t normally feel like this.
Valerie, I appreciate your vulnerability. So many of us struggle with fear when we’re alone, but it doesn’t show in a crowd. We feel we’re the only one who struggles like this! My best go to is sharing with a friend — speaking my fear out loud and knowing another person is praying for me is so affirming. I love you, girl! Blessings on your writing ministry.
I sure enjoyed talking with you at the conference. I’m so glad we’re friends!
Hello there! What a great post. I just subscribed! This was really needed in my life. When I look back, I realize I’ve been fearful all my life. I was a sensitive little girl who had a very empathetic nature. Almost too much. I could feel the emotions of others sometimes, and still can on occasion. Sounds crazy, but true. Things that other people could cast aside and move on I could not. I would sit and ruminate until it became an obsessive thought. I got through it and it didn’t start to really hit until my beloved Grandmother passed away when I was 16. I realized that I had no control. And that sent me into a tailspin. And at the time I was truly unsure of how Good worked in people’s lives. Why and What if have been the questions of my life. It’s not something I can really control. Oh how I try. My relationship with God has strengthened but I very frequently still find myself in a continuous mental battle. As a mother, it increased tenfold. I worry about losing my child. I see it happen to people everyday. Tragedies, natural disasters, murders, so much grief and hurt. It can weigh me down to just sobbing. I feel so big. I’ve been praying for God to become bigger than my fears in my life. We are always told ” don’t worry, God has a plan” Yet my mind goes straight to well, sometimes God’s plan is still full of pain and sorrow. It’s very frightening to me that I must accept I have no control. I have been diagnosed with a form of OCD/ Anxiety and I will never stop having faith. It gets hard because I feel like I’m fighting a losing battle. What most people can work on and conquer, I wonder since I have an actual medical condition with worrying, if it’s possible for me to truly “Be Still and Know..” I apologize for the ramble, but it does help to share. Thank you for the article and I look forward to future posts! God Bless!
Holly, thank you so much for sharing your heart. I relate to having an empathetic nature that sometimes causes me to sit in fear of “what if that happened to me?” I’m so sorry for the anxiety you feel. I know it’s hard to know how to not be anxious when there is so much we can worry about. I’m reading a great book titled, Anxious by Amy Simpson. The author explains the difference between worry, fear and anxiety. It was helpful to try and wrap my head around the sometimes subtle and interconnected differences. Fear is a response to an immediate threat and anxiety to the possibility. Worry isn’t healthy for us. God doesn’t want us to worry. I discovered at the root of all my “what if” fears were doubts I held about God. I wanted wisdom to know how not to be afraid. Proverbs 9:10 says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. I’ve been studying the fear of the Lord and found that the fearing God helps us fight fear. When we fear God we seek to understand his character (his love for us, his holiness, power, and majesty); his pervasive presence and our obedience to face fear and replace worry with trust helps us experience his character in personal ways. I”m not an expert or doctor regarding medical anxiety, but I do believe we can seek the Lord and ease our worry and have hope that we have a God who walks with us through the times when we are afraid. He gently guides us. I understand the struggle to long for our minds to truly be still and know. Our fears want to tell us it’s not really possible. But God says all things are possible. The place of stillness lies in the Holy Spirit that fills our minds with peace, beyond all understanding. Dear Lord, when we struggle to be still and know, when we wrestle with anxious thoughts and feel unease stir inside of us, help us to hope in your love for us. Help us to claim the power you have given us. To smother the spirit of fear. You love us Lord! May we rest and trust and believe in your awesome love. You loved us so much you became one of us and lived so you could die for us. This earth is not our home. You have a purpose for us. We can trust you with our lives, with our future, and with today. Lord, give Holly peace that surpasses all understanding. Your love that will not allow fear to enter in. Comfort in your protection and guidance. In Jesus Name, Amen
Thank you so much for sharing this! I too have OCD and have struggles identical to you. I could type all day and still not list all the fears and worries I have surrounding my kids and myself as a mom. Just knowing other women that are serving Jesus can identify with me helps so much. Thanks again for sharing.
Fear can be so crippling but once we latch on to the truth of God’s Word, we can be set free. Love your practical steps for smothering the spirit of fear. Be blessed as you continue in your journey with God.
Thank you for taking the time to comment Cindy. Blessings!
Very inspirational post Valerie. Just what I need in my present situation. I suddenly fell ill in jan this year n till now I do not feel as good I was before. There is this constant fear of death and fear of some underlying health issue. I have dedicated most of my time to prayer. But still the fear reigns each day
It can be so scary when we don’t feel well. Dear Lord, Thank you for seeing us. Hearing us. You know everything about us. It’s hard not to worry when we don’t feel well. Lord, I pray for your peace to comfort Simi. Give her your joy. Replace fear with hope. Help us remember that this earth is not our home and yet we can find comfort because you are our home on earth. You are constantly with us. You guide and gently lead us. Father break the spirit of fear. May your Holy Spirit bring peace, joy, love, comfort, hope, and strength to Simi. In Jesus Name, Amen.
A word I needed to hear today. I’ve been battling some things that are rising up some anxiety in me. At first look, it’s not fear, but as I examine it more deeply there I a root of fear. Now I know where to be praying more! Love you friend and love this post!!!
I’m so sorry you’re battling with some anxiety. I hope it eases and you feel peace. I always love seeing your comments. Thank you. Love you!
Hi there,
I went through a divorce recently. My spouse was unfaithful and abusive-the relationship was very unhealthy. I made many mistakes navigating the journey and I carry alot of fear of myself, my sin, consequences for my choices, or something bad happening because of the marriage. I want to honor God in all I do. The last few months i’ve also had health issues. I take great care of myself and qualified for nationals for bodybuilding. These health issues have made prep very hard. I’ve had to work crazy hours to afford my own place since leaving my spouse. I’m just tired, discouraged, and still lacking answers on what is going on with my body. I need lots of prayer. I do know God has said He is covering me and that i’m in His hand.
Oh Hannah, you are going through some difficult circumstances. I’m so sorry for all you’ve been through. Thank you for sharing your heart here. Dear Lord, I pray you would make your presence known and felt in Hannah’s heart. Encourage her in ways that show her you are with her. She is going through so much. Help her as she works to afford her place. Comfort her heart from the pain in her relationship. Remove all shame and guilt from her past. Lord your death on the cross covers all our sins. We don’t have to carry the weight of sin and shame anymore. Set her free from that. Ease the anxiety from all the stress she is facing. It’s so hard to not know what’s going on with our health. I pray you would heal her body. Help doctors to figure out what is going on. You hear the cries of your children. You answer. You help us when we need you. You will not forsake us. I pray victory over Hannah. In Jesus Name, Amen
Beautiful post. Valerie. I so appreciate your honesty here. Fear is a continuing battle for myself. Some fears are extremely real to me-like my battle with claustrophobia, and some are imagined like my visits to the cardiologist last month. It is encouraging to read how you approach fear in your life. I trust in my Savior and I know He wants what is best. May God grant me the strength to lean I. His arms when I’m fearful. Thank you for sharing your heart here. I will be sharing this inspiring article with my followers. Have a fantastic weekend and God bless you and yours.
Horace, thank you for reading and for sharing. Fear is a battle. Especially when we live in a fallen world surrounded by so many things that could happen. I’m so glad that when we are afraid we can trust in God, our Creator and his ultimate purpose for us. On earth, we will long for heaven—our real home. .Meanwhile one of my favorite quotes by Andrew Murray, “He’s the living home of my soul.” No matter what is going on around us we can feel safe in His care for us. Praying for your health Horace. You are always such an encouragement!