Fear is a bully that hounds us until it destroys us. When we give into our fear, it grows and becomes even more menacing. You must deal with your fear.

Here are some practical ways to help as you struggle with your fear.

1. Think through your fear. Why are you afraid? What do you fear? Thinking through the process will help you resolve your fear and move to a better conclusion.

Let me give you an example that fits my life and situations. If  someone has quit coming to church, should I call or not call? Will I make him mad? What is the worst result that can occur? I usually come to the conclusion that the worst result will be that he will continue not to attend church. Once I have gone through this exercise, I have removed the fear. The worst result will be the current result. He will continue not to come to church.

On the other hand, what is the best result that can take place? I can restore a brother. I can make a friend. I can be obedient to God. He might start back to church!

The downside of dealing with fear is usually minimal, but the upside of confronting your fear is usually astronomical.

Thinking through the fear will help you immensely.

2. Find a Godly person to help you work through your fear. I often ask people in a counseling situation: “If you were counseling me, what would you tell me to do?” Many times the answer is clear. Having someone to talk to helps you understand the better answer.

3. Resolve to obey God. Fear is disobedience to God. Read what God said to people He called: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged” (Joshua 1:9). “Do not be terrified by them, or I will terrify you before them” (Jeremiah 1:19). “Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).

Everyone has to confront fear. If not, why would God tell Joshua and Jeremiah not to fear? Why did Jesus constantly tell the disciples not to be afraid?

4. Spend time in the intimate presence of God. I need God at every point, but I really need Him in times of testing and fear. Frankly, it’s easy to talk about faith when there’s no fear. It’s simple to describe peace when there’s no storm.

What will we do when the storm comes? That is the question. The answer is to choose to live close to God in the midst of the storm.

Fear is the bully you have to push back. When you do so, you will be ready to live as God desires for you.

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