Fear Discussion with Leo Sabo and Donna Nicholson Stief
Join Leo Sabo and Donna Nicholson Stief for a zoom call discussion on the topic of Fear.
This video will help identify exactly what fear is, where it comes from, and how to address and overcome it.
What is your process for overcoming fear? Share your wisdom and experience on facing and overcoming fears in the comments below.
Notes
Fear defined -
Two types of fear in the Bible
Fear of the Lord (encouraged)- a reverential awe of God, a reverence for His power and glory, and a proper respect for His wrath and anger. It’s a total acknowledgement of all that God is; knowing God and His attributes.
Spirit of Fear (discouraged)- Does not come from God. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind.” (2 Tim. 1:7). This is an evil spirit whose aim is to convince us that God is not reliable or trustworthy.
Cause of Fear
Our anxieties and worries usually are not related to lack of things but rather to the loss of things.
Fear of the unknown, fear caused by living with uncertainty (all of the “what if’s)
Fear of the Lord - Benefits
Fear of the Lord brings with it many blessings and benefits.
It is the beginning of wisdom and leads to good understanding (Psalm 111:10).
Only fools despise wisdom and discipline (Proverbs 1:7).
Fear of the Lord leads to life, rest, peace, and contentment (Proverbs 19:23).
It is the fountain and life (Proverbs 14:27) and provides a security and a place of safety for us (Proverbs 14:26).
What to do when you encounter a spirit of fear
Know that most of the things we fear will never actually happen (False Evidence Appearing Real). Lies from the Enemy.
Know you are never alone. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 4:27)
Trust in God - There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. 19 We love because he first loved us. (1 John 4:18-19). God has proven his love for us. We must take him at his word and accept his peace, his love, and his power to care for us in all circumstances.
Recognize it. Sometimes fear & anxiety are sneaky. It shows up in different ways (ex: binge eating, retail therapy, drinking….). Recognize the unhealthy habit and ask yourself what is behind this behavior?
Name it. Call it what it is. It’s fear and anxiety. Once you name it, and understand what’s really going on, immediately bring it to God
Remember. Remember all that God has done for you already. Literally count your blessings. Was there ever a time when God failed you? No. He won’t fail you now either.
Supporting Scriptures:
Prov. 1:7 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Isaiah 41:13 “I am the Lord your God who upholds your right hand, who says to you, ‘Do not fear, I will help you.’”
Ps. 27:1 “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; whom shall I dread?
Rev 1:8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end” says the Lord God. “I am the one who is, who always was, and who is to still come- The Almighty One”- (This is OUR great God!)
Ps. 121:1-2 “I look up to the mountains does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, maker of heaven and earth!”
Questions to Consider
Is it normal for a Christian to experience fear?
One of Satan’s favorite tools is the question, “What if?” How are we as Christians to deal with these questions?
How should Christians deal with fear?
