Winning the WarSample

## Winning the War Over Fear It is interesting that the most common command in scripture is not for us to be more loving, even though it is said to be the greatest commandment. That may be the core of God’s desire for human life, but it is not the most frequent biblical instruction. Theologians and writers about spirituality, often speak of pride as being at the root of human fallenness. However, the Bible’s most frequent command does not have to do with avoiding pride and growing in humility. The most common command is scripture is not to guard against sexual immorality or to walk in personal integrity. As important as these qualities are in our spiritual walk, the single most common command in scripture that occurs more often than any other is formulated in two words, fear not. Fear is mentioned in the Bible more than 600 times. It is no small subject in the Word of God. From Genesis to Revelation, from Abraham to John on the isle of Patmos, the command to fear not is constantly repeated. This command was given to Abraham, Moses, and David. It was also given to Daniel on his way to the lion’s den, Mary the mother of Jesus, and Peter while sinking in the Sea of Galilee. Why does God command us so many times to "fear not"? Perhaps because fear is one of the main reasons why people are tempted to avoid doing what God asks them to do. Or maybe it is because fear disrupts faith and can become the biggest obstacle to our trusting and obeying God. Fear works just like faith but in the opposite direction. While faith opens the door for God to work in our lives; fear opens the door for the enemy to work in our lives. Faith has substance and evidence and keeps you living with hopeful optimism. In contrast, fear has no mercy. Additionally, living with fear keeps you depressed, miserable, sad, and lonely. Some people experience fear of the future, fear of danger, fear of the past, fear of the future, fear of failure, the loss of a job, the loss of good health, the loss of a position, the criticism of others, or even the reality of death. This gives fear power over your life and ultimately allows fear to: • change your focus. • weaken your willpower. • stifle your creativity. • minimize your ability to hope to believe. One of the great dangers in life is to turn legitimate concern into illegitimate fear. Because of fear, many people are losing control, running scared, and becoming very confused. As a result, many are unable to think clearly or act responsibly. They have been overcome with fear. The enemy brings fear into our lives to paralyze us, to strangle our ability to think, to dream, and to imagine. He does not want to see us going forward. While we ought to be responsibly concerned, we ought not to allow fear to take ownership of our emotions, our choices, or our decisions. It does us no good to live out our days in fear. God still rules in the affairs of man and God is not operating with question-marks, with uncertainties, or in confusion. He operates in confidence, certainty, and stability and so can you.