Written by: The United Church of God
Article source: JOY! Magazine
The United Church of God is an International Association with congregations throughout South Africa. The mission of the Church is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God in all the world, make disciples in all nations and care for those disciples. The purpose of the Church is to help God’s people prepare to be the bride of Christ. Members learn, grow and connect through the many programmes and events offered.
We believe God’s plan of salvation includes every individual who yields to Him and Jesus Christ (1 Timothy 2:4). We trust that this excerpt from an article by John LaBissoniere titled How to Confront & Defeat Fear & Anxiety published in our monthly magazine, Beyond Today, will help you to connect with God and defeat your fear and anxiety caused by modern day living.
John LaBissoniere writes, “Late one night I was walking alone down the middle of a moonlit street. It was quiet and still. The houses were dark. No one was outside, and not a single car was moving. Suddenly, I heard a strange noise behind me. Looking back, I saw a huge lion rushing madly toward me from about half a block away! Fear gripped me, and I began to run!
Yes, it was a terrible dream, a frightening nightmare I experienced as a child. Not only did I occasionally endure bad dreams as a youngster, but various fears troubled me. Perhaps during your youth, you experienced the same. The fact is, both children and adults are affected by real or imagined fears and anxieties.”
Healthy fear vs. harmful fear
Numerous books are available today that pledge to help people overcome their fears and worries. Yet, are some of our fears justified? Yes, there’s healthy, proper and necessary fear that’s prompted by the desire for self-preservation. Without it, people would not take appropriate caution to avoid perils or injury.
Harmful fear, in contrast, is the result of not taking measures to deal with a disquieting and potentially dangerous situation. The consequences of not facing and dealing with our fears are anxiety, distress, nervousness and worry. Healthy fear can actually mutate into harmful fear when alarm and panic, rather than knowledge, logic and godly faith, govern our thinking and actions.
Confronting our fears
Challenging, managing and mastering our fears are essential to living a happy, successful life. Stanley Rachman, a psychologist and emeritus psychology professor at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada, wrote in his book Fear and Courage, “When a situation becomes predictable, the fear diminishes” (1990).
Additionally, when grappling with a demanding and potentially distressing event, discussing the circumstances with others who will not be judgmental or critical can help alleviate distress.
If fear or worry persists, experts advise seeking professional help to determine if treatment could be beneficial.
God offers us powerful help
In confronting and defeating fear and anxiety, let’s examine the most important tool we can employ, which is the marvellous support our Creator generously offers. Since He doesn’t want us to be tormented by harmful, destructive fear, He provides us tremendous aid. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7, emphasis added throughout). A “spirit of fear” does not originate with God but arises in the human mind, influenced negatively by Satan the devil (1 John 5:19). However, with God’s limitless help we can perform rationally and calmly in fear-inducing situations (Isaiah 41:10).
We can also be fully confident that we will win our battles against fear because God cares for us deeply and is close by our side: “For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you’” (Isaiah 41:13). Plus, God’s way of love is flawless: “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love” (1 John 4:18).
Be anxious for nothing
Unlike human beings, who can sometimes be fickle, God will never let us down if we fully trust and obey Him. He will give us the spiritual, mental and emotional strength we need to face and conquer our fears and anxieties. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6, New International Version). Furthermore, Paul admonishes us, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6).
What will happen as a result of our diligent prayers and God-given faith? (See Ephesians 2:8.) “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).
With God’s steadfast guidance, strength and encouragement, we can confront and defeat destructive fear and anxiety!
To read the full article and find more helpful, inspiring and informative material, click here.
This article is featured in the July issue of JOY! Magazine. Read a digital version of this magazine here: joygifts.co.za
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Date published: 14/06/2025
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