4 minute read 
by Bethany Rees

“Dear…” Series: Many of us put on a brave face or wear a mask to hide our internal struggles with: guilt, fear, comparison, unworthiness, regret, unforgiveness, rejection, anger, and grief. The “Dear…” series is dedicated to shedding light, hope, and freedom on these internal battles that we often face alone. BUT, we are not alone! Because of Jesus, we can win our battles and find freedom.

Dear Fear,

We’re done! You are not the large and terrifying presence that you think you are. 

You are nothing more than a projected shadow flashing negative thoughts and feelings in order to fill me with paralysis and disobedience. 

Your shadowy presence tries to lead me down two distinct paths: anxiety and control.

You taunt me by poisoning the thoughts of mind with anxiety about all the negative things that could happen. 

You constantly try to tell me all the things I’m not, and project scenarios of all the horrible things that will happen in the future. 

You love to magnify yourself and minimize the power of God. 

You even lie and trick me into thinking that I can achieve a better outcome than God can if I just take control of the situation.  

You speak lies that try to overshadow the truth. 

Your darkened shadow tries to hide the light and power of the God I serve, and I have let you be magnified in my life far too long. 

Fear, you are a liar and God has changed my heart and mind concerning you. 

I Confess: 

You have deferred my obedience long enough! I confess that I made you bigger than you are so that you would overshadow my belief and faith in my all powerful God. It is I that gave you access to drive my thoughts, but now I see you for what you really are: 

• a liar that tries to overshadow the light and power of God 
• a manipulator trying to take control of my thought-life
• a stumbling block to keep me from stepping out in faith to WHO God has called me to be and WHAT God has called me to do for His glory

2 Timothy 1: 6-7 “For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”

I Repent: 

I no longer feel weakened by your fleeting presence and the lies you try to project. I now go to God first and ask Him to remind me of who He is. I am prepared with scripture to go forth in obedience in defeating your lies. For I know I am never alone in my battles and it is my God that goes before me in all circumstances and situations. 

Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

I Cast Off:

Fear, in the name of Jesus, I rebuke you. Fear, you are no longer the first thought in my head, the first emotion I feel, and the dictator of my actions. My thoughts, emotions, and actions are steeped in the power, love, and guidance of my Lord and Savior. His perfect love casts you out of my life. 

1 John 4:18 “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.”

I Bless: 

In reading God’s word, He has so generously shown me WHO He is and how much He loves me. I will follow my Lord all the days of my life. I stand firm on the promise that He gives me what I need to be obedient and faithful. Because my God is for me, nothing you do against me will prosper.

Psalm 27: 1-3 “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When evildoers assail me to eat up my flesh, my adversaries and foes, it is they who stumble and fall. Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident."

So Fear, by the time you read this blog post…know that I have laid you and your mental torment at the foot of the cross. I am free of you. 

I worship an all-powerful and sovereign God and know His will and His ways are always good.

Know Better. Do Better. Live Better. Shrink Fear.

Rocks before Sand!

If you struggle with fear, I encourage you to read my blog post about Shrinking the Monsters in Our Minds. 

Scripture: 

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” ~ Joshua 1:9

Theme Song: 

The Breakup Song (lyrics) ~ Francesca Battistelli

References Used:

• The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

Bible Verses About Fear: 

2 Timothy 1: 6-7 “For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”

Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

1 John 4:18 “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.”

Psalm 27: 1-3 “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When evildoers assail me to eat up my flesh,
my adversaries and foes, it is they who stumble and fall. Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident.