Get rid of anxiety, stop the worry, and live free from fear —that might be a wish list for all. My friend shares this sentiment.
“I’m sick of it, sick,” she said. “I’m over the bad news. I can’t take all the crazy mess that gets worse every day. When will it stop?”
Stop? Yes, we all want that. We want to be free from fear and the bloom that seems to choke us. We long to go back to healthy living again, pre-Covid days and back when filling the gas tank was no big deal. And we wish to go back to those days when social media wasn’t an antisocial battleground, but a way to show off family pics.
But now fear tries to show off its power. And feeling a bit intimidated, we let it eat us for lunch. This statistic from the 2021 American Fear Index, conducted by SafeHome.org, emphasizes this pitiful fact: “45 percent of people are experiencing more daily anxiety and fear than they were 12 months ago.”
We need to stop this ruthless invasion of our lives. We must and we can. The best way to manage that and live free from fear is to first understand the “why” when we’re feeling afraid.
My journey to living free from fear
By force, I had to learn the “why” myself. At 30, a retinal disease robbed my eyesight completely. Self-pity, worry, and anger were served to me on a tray of fear.
I sat and stared at it, paralyzed. As a mom to three small sons, I feared because I was afraid my blindness made me inadequate, unproductive in every way, unworthy, useless, and ugly to my husband.
Gripped by the emotion, I allowed fear to mock me. I let my mind go wild and paint images of the worst, the darkest, and the most painful.
But logically, none of the above was true. That’s why no matter the trauma or tragedy or setback, fear is empty of its power when there are no facts to support the reason to be afraid.
Conversely, we have every reason to believe in what’s true, what are the facts, and what power emerges from God’s Word that kicks fear to the curb. Here are ten ways to take action based on Christ’s power at work in us:
Ten ways to live free from fear
1. Never fear those bleak headlines.
With Christ alive in us, we possess the righteousness that shields us from any negative news: “A righteous man will be remembered forever. He will have no fear of bad news…” Psalm 112:6—7
- Fear is blocked when we focus on the good news of God’s protection.
2. Look beyond the circumstance and into the horizon of God’s promises.
He paints the ultimate outcome. That’s why no matter how much anxiety tries to invade our nights or stress tries to barge into our days, “…our heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.” Psalm 112:7
- When trust increases, fear decreases. When faith mix with trust in God, fear vanishes.
3. Find security knowing victory is ours.
God is the one who fights our battles. He’s victorious over the foes called worry, uncertainty, pain, and heartache. “His heart is secure; he will have no fear; in the end he will look in triumph on his foes.” Psalm 112:8
- Fear fades away when we focus on God’s triumphant outcome.
4. Let praises to the Lord fill your thoughts from the moment you wake up.
No matter how empty of joy or peace the world may seem, our lips declare the fullness of life that Jesus guarantees: “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10b
- The life God prepared for us has the richness of His provision, protection, and purpose.
5. Recognize God’s reminder.
Recognize that when feeling weak and drained, that’s God’s reminder to heed his instruction and receive His offer: “Fear not; for I am with you. Be not dismayed; for I am your God. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will strengthen you and I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
- Emotional intruders can no longer zap our confidence, drain our strength, or leave us weak; God’s help renews our strength and with God’s power, we conquer evil. With His help, we defeat negative emotions. With His righteous hand, we walk on firm ground.
6. Don’t worry about the unknown.
Never worry about the unknown, be intimidated about the tasks ahead, or feel inadequate about going forward. Joshua might have fallen into these traps, but God’s command for us today is the same He gave Joshua: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
- Wherever we go, whatever we do, whenever we need, God is with us.
7. Be prepared for fear.
Be prepared for fear to knock at the door. When it does, gather boldness, confidence, and reassurance as you answer the same way David did: “The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1
- When God is our stronghold, fear has no power.
8. Resolve to defeat worry.
Declare it has no power to burden your mind. Instead, remain strong. “For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7
- Those three gifts become our weapons in the battle against the world.
9. Know where contentment comes from.
Dismantle the lie that says another person cures loneliness and brings contentment. True, lasting contentment comes from within when we declare only God can restore our soul: “The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:1-3
- Fear is lost when God’s comfort is near, His companionship is constant, and His reassurance is real.
10. Protect yourself from anxious thoughts.
Be diligent in protecting your mind and guarding your heart against influences that bring on anxious thoughts. Embrace this instruction: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
- Nothing can penetrate God’s peace that guards our minds, shields our hearts, and protects our souls.
When you’re secure in these ten truths, faith replaces fear. When darkness comes, God removes it. When threats arrive, God silences them. When gloom barges in, God lifts it.
We can and will live free from fear, safe under the refuge of God’s wings, thriving under His grace, and triumphant under His promise that repeats over and over again, “Fear not. I am with you.”
Other articles on living free from fear:
Four Keys to Combat the Effects of Stress and Anxiety on the Body by Tammy Kennington.
10 Techniques to Deal with Anxiety by Lori Wildenberg
About the Author
Janet Perez Eckles has no physical sight but possesses the insight to inspire thousands around the globe. She touches lives through her work as a best-selling author, international speaker, missionary, and founder of JC Empowerment Ministries. For more information about Janet visit www.janetperezeckles.com.