Fear is the most destructive force I know.  It is paralyzing and tormenting.  Its grip literally drains life away.  Fear robs us of peace, sleep and joy in daily living.  Anytime you are plagued with fear, be assured it is not of God.  “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).

            Fear destroys our peace of mind…fear of failure, illness, old age, death, accidents…financial loss…the list is endless.  Peace cannot exist in the midst of fear.  “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy”  (John 10:10).

            Fear is an octopus that sends out tentacles in all directions.  It comes while waiting for a medical report or when the telephone rings at midnight.  Fear is ugly…a hideous monster…a giant ogre but I have good news.  THE GREATER ONE LIVES IN YOU!  (1 John 4:4)

            Let’s trade our fears for faith.  I’ve found some great antidotes for fear:

            Know that has God plans your life. You are wanted and loved by him.  He wants the highest good for you.  He is mindful of you.  If indeed, he watches over the sparrow, be assured God watches over you.  You are important to him.

            God has an investment in you.  He loved you so much he sent Jesus to die for you.  Knowing this you can confidently say with the psalmist, “What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee”  (Psalm 56:3).

            Live one day at a time and live it to the fullest.  Yesterday is gone along with its mistakes.  Look to today.  With Jesus, tomorrow will take care of itself.

            Settle your eternal destiny.  Knowing you belong to him frees you from the bondage of fear.

            Know that nothing can happen to you today that Jesus and you cannot handle.  Underneath you are his everlasting arms.

            Feed your faith by reading God’s Word.  His Word is full of hope and promise that destroys fear.

            Hide the Word in your heart. “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path”  (Psalm 119:105).  Find the promise that applies to your situation.  Memorize it.  Let it sink way down into your spirit.  Repeat it out loud as many times as it takes to take root.  God’s Word does not return to him void.  Take authority over fear.

            Pray the answer.  Do you know God’s telephone number?  It is Jeremiah 33:3, “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”  (NIV)

            Trust in the Lord.  Trust in him cancels out fear.  “The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe”  (Proverbs 29:25).

            Conquering fear is not easy.  It requires persistence with a stubborn faith in the midst of hard circumstances.

            Meet you fear head on and refuse to cower down to it.  Arm your self with the whole armor of God.  (Ephesians 6:14-17)  Exercise your authority as a child of God and trust him to do what is best.

            We are not to worry.  “Do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks. And God’s peace, which is so great we cannot understand it, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7 NCV).

            When fear comes knocking at your door, hang out a sign that says, “Wrong address.  Faith lives here.”  You will have won one more battle with the enemy, robbing him of his glee, plus your trust in the Lord and your praise to him will give you peace.

            Believe it dear reader.  Cling to the promise and walk upon the high places of the earth!

            Your faith conquers fear!