Living Our Faith

01/29/24 – 02/06/24

Conquering Hidden Fears

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  02/02/24

How do you conquer hidden fears? First, you identify what is causing you to feel fearful. Is your sense of fear based on Truth or an irrational belief? Most of what we fear never happens. While fearful feelings may be warning signs, they also can be very misleading. For some people, worry and fear are simply habitual. They have no solid basis for what they are feeling.

The second step to conquering fear is prayer. Many believers look for some sort of formula to make their prayers more effective. When it comes to prayer, there is no secret method. Simply pray about what frightens you. Tell the Lord what is worrying you, and ask Him to show you if your sense of fear is valid. God hears you when you cry out to Him. You can tell Him when you feel afraid, scared, or hurt. He also listens as you express your feelings of frustration and anger.

James reminds us that many times our fears are not silenced because we do not take time to pray, “You do not have because you do not ask God” (4:2).

Fear is a very strong emotion. It can paralyze us, but it also can be an indicator of what is going on in a person’s life. God knows our hearts and our deepest secrets. He knows what fears we have. As hidden areas of fear and dread come to light, God will reveal His plan to eliminate each one.

In times of fear, ask God to reveal what is true about your situation. Be strong in your faith. The apostles did not hesitate to ask God to increase their faith, and neither should you (see Luke 17:5). He will help you overcome fear.

Prayer: God, I pray that You would shine Your light on my situation, revealing the Truth so that I will not be afraid. Help me to be able to identify what is causing my fear and to come to You when I am feeling afraid. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life” (Psalm 56:13).