Scripture says it and I’ve heard it for years: Do. Not. Fear. But it’s easier said than done, isn’t it?
I’ve battled fear on varying levels my whole life. But it wasn’t until my most recent health battle that I learned fear’s toxic affect on my physiology. Did you know that when you allow your fears to go rogue that they actually cause a cascade of inflammation inside your body? Did you know that inflammation is the soil where sickness and disease grow? My doctors firmly told me, Susie, you cannot afford to allow fear in your life right now. Your body is already too inflamed.
I finally got it and went to battle against my fear.
Scientists have discovered that our brain has only two motivational fuels: Fear and love. Isn’t that amazing? Remember what scripture says?
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:19
Science is once again catching up with Scripture.
God has wired us to live and thrive in love. Fear has to do with punishment. Love has everything to do with redemption, wholeness, and restoration. Fear makes us cower, pull inward, and forget who we are. Love makes us open up, look up, and remember again that we’re someone God loves.
When fear drives us, nothing good will come of it.
Fear also affects our brain’s ability to process information and to make sound decisions. Fear diminishes our body’s ability to rightly absorb and use the nutrients we ingest. Fear compels us to make self-sabotaging decisions.
Can you see why fear is such a tool of the enemy? Fear is a spirit and it’s not from God.
“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
Fear will destroy us if we let it.
But, thankfully, Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8). We have a choice in this battle. We can overcome the fear that threatens to overtake us!
This week on Middays I talked with Dr. Timothy Jennings about his brilliant book, . He writes:
“When love increases, not only does fear decrease, but growth, development and healthy thinking all improve. Fear and love are inversely proportional.”
He further writes:
“Life, health and happiness are only found where love flows free. And love only flows free where the truth about God is known.”
Here at Faith Radio, we are passionate about God’s Word being the loudest voice in your ear. God’s love, His direction, and even correction, will bring life to your, body, mind, and soul.
If you’ve battled fear for far too long, maybe it’s time to remember God’s love. Spend some time pondering not only who God is, but how He feels about you.
Here are a few other practical tips from Dr. Timothy Jennings:
- Worshiping a God of love and rejecting God-concepts that induce fear.
- Regular mediation on some aspect of God’s character of love, at least fifteen minutes a day.
- Live to give. Actively seek to help others; get involved with some ministry or volunteer activity.
- Establish relationships with people of loving and mature character, and terminate destructive and exploited relationships.
- Trust God with your life and your life’s outcomes.
God loved us first, and His love will outlast our fears. We can trust Him. He is wholeheartedly committed to getting us safely home.
God’s love demolishes fear
