I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4 (NIV)

Over the past couple of weeks, I haven’t felt as good as I had since I started my new medication. I had been a little achy, which I attributed to the intense swings in weather patterns and temperatures. On top of that, back to back activities and errands had slowly drained me. I had begun to feel more and more depleted, and I started to feel my hands and feet swelling.

When I woke up this past Sunday, I was ready to admit that I was in a flare, albeit a manageable one. I told myself that it would probably get worse, but I had to keep going, so off to church we went. During his message, our pastor began to talk about fear and how we allow fear to impact our everyday lives. “My God, I’ve been tiptoeing in fear.” I thought, “I am not even enjoying my life because I’m so fearful of what may happen.” So, over the past couple of days, I’ve been thinking about all the ways fear was manifesting in my life. For the sake of today’s blog, I’m not going to go on about all of the fears I am trying to overcome (with God’s help, of course). But there’s one fear that stands out…

Chronic illnesses breed fear. Illnesses, in general, tend to be scary, and they are designed to be (read: illnesses are not from God). But chronic illnesses have an added layer of mysterious origins, unorthodox manifestations, and unknown pathways. For me, every twinge of pain elicits fear of another flare. I have found myself worrying about what happens if my medications stop working.  I sometimes fear missing out on important life events due to pain. I have anxiety about the future of my family. I have even feared dying a premature death from complications.

My pastor’s message on Sunday reminded me of something that God has been working within me for quite some time - fear is not of God, and I must be intentional about fighting against it. Why? Because we can’t live in fear and say we are people of faith. God has not given us a spirit of fear. Further, the gifts of peace and joy that God offers cannot dwell where there is fear. God + fear is an oxymoron, a contradiction, and an antithesis. So why are so many believers like myself dealing with fear? In my opinion, the enemy uses fear as an effective weapon against us because it so easily cripples our strengths. Fear causes anxiety, depression, and isolation. It leads us to stagnancy rather than growth. It fights against us and squashes us down. Most notably, fear causes us to doubt ourselves, others, and God.

The above effects of fear are exactly why it so important to have a relationship with God and know His Word for ourselves. If we understand the Bible, we understand who God is and, perhaps more importantly, who God isn’t. Because of what chronic illnesses are and the damages they can do to our physical, emotional, and spiritual beings, we absolutely, positively must be able to identify what is of God (and what is not). There should not be a day that goes by in which we haven’t read at least some scripture. The Word of God is our weapon to fight fear; it’s an essential part of the whole armor of God. Reading the Bible does for your spirituality what your medicines do for your body- it brings healing, order, strength, and restoration. The Word of God is NECESSARY to ensure your wholeness and well-being.

Every fear we have can be counterattacked with Biblical truth. Here are some examples of Scripture that can be used against thoughts of fear:

Joshua 1:9 (NIV): Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

1 John 4:18 (NKJV): 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.

Isaiah 41:10 (AMP): Do not fear [anything], for I am with you; Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, be assured I will help you; I will certainly take hold of you with My righteous right hand [a hand of justice, of power, of victory, of salvation].

Psalm 23:4 (GNT): Even if I go through the deepest darkness, I will not be afraid, Lord, for you are with me. Your shepherd's rod and staff protect me.

John 14:27 (NIV): Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Isaiah 12:2 (KJV): Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.

Isaiah 41:10 (NIV): So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Psalm 112:7-8 (AMP): He will not fear bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting [confidently relying on and believing] in the Lord. His heart is upheld, he will not fear while he looks [with satisfaction] on his adversaries.

Luke 10:19 (NKJV): Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

Deuteronomy 31:8 (AMP): It is the Lord who goes before you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or abandon you. Do not fear or be dismayed.

These are only 10 Scriptures out of many more that serve as reminders that we were not created to live in fear. I encourage you to write these Scriptures down, memorize them, or find verses of your own. The goal is that we will be able to catch ourselves in the middle of thoughts that provoke fear and combat them with the Word. We have to be intentional about not allowing fear to settle in our minds and hearts. When we shift our focus to God, we take the focus off of our apprehensions. When we seek Him, He will take our fears away.

WE CANNOT LIVE IN FEAR! It is God’s desire that we live in peace and happiness. So, I will end today’s post with these verses from Philippians 4, which I pray will help refocus our hearts and minds: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” (v. 6-8, NKJV)