If you are a believer in Jesus, you don’t have to listen to fear. Fear tells lies, and lies are the language of the enemy, not the language of your heavenly Father, who thinks you are wonderful and has a good plan for your life.  

God is perfect love, and the sound of His voice casts out fear and other lies. 

No fear exists where his love is. Rather, perfect love gets rid of fear, because fear involves punishment. The person who lives in fear doesn’t have perfect love. (1 John 4:18 NOG)

Two Steps to Courage

Whenever fear tries to influence you, the first step is to recognize that it is fear. “This is fear talking, isn’t it? I don’t have to do what fear says. I don’t need to listen to fear. I get to listen to my loving heavenly Father instead.”  

To recognize fear for what it is, you will need discernment. If you feel like you have a hard time telling the difference between fear and something helpful like wisdom or common sense, go to the Lord and ask for more discernment.

The second step can be harder. It’s one thing to recognize fear’s voice, and it’s another thing to ignore the fear and do what God is telling you instead. To do what He is telling you, you will need courage.

Some of us have gotten pretty good at recognizing fear’s voice, but we are still learning how to be courageous. 

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be terrified or dismayed (intimidated), for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. (Josh. 1:9 AMP) 

Two Ways to Pray When You’re Scared

If you’re having a hard time stopping anxiety, worry, or fear, here is one way you can pray:

Jesus, I give You this fear I’m feeling. By faith, I choose Your peace instead. The Bible says You are the Prince of Peace, and I invite You to come and calm my emotions right now. Please turn this fear around, and teach my mind and heart to focus on You instead. In Your name I pray, amen.

If you need the courage to do what God is asking you to do, even though you still feel afraid, here is one way you can pray:

Father, would You give me the courage I need to say “no” to this fear and then do what You are asking me to do? Your Word says You are my strength. I choose to trust You as I reject fear and accept Your courage. I want to be brave. In the name of Jesus, amen. 

What has God told you? 

How is He leading you?

Don’t be afraid to trust Him and be courageous with His voice.