It has been stated that the Bible tells us to “fear not” 365 times—one for every day of the year. I have not verified it myself, but I know there are many Scriptures that tell us not to be afraid and to not let fear reign in our lives.
How often have we had a dark cloud of fear try to overshadow us? It could be fear of illness, fear of death, fear of not having enough, fear for our children, fear for our families, fear of the future, or fear of the unknown.
I have had friends tell me their stories of experiencing an oppressive spirit of fear that seems to walk into the room and tries to make itself at home. My husband and I experienced something similar a few years ago when our son called out for help during the night. When we made our way to his room, he said that he felt a presence pushing him down on the bed, and he was unable to move. We immediately began to call on the Name of Jesus and pray in the Spirit and the spirit of fear lifted.
On another occasion, my daughter and son-in-law, who pastors the church where we attend, told us of an experience when they were asleep and both awakened to feel something in their room. They instantly began to rebuke the spirit of fear and speak the Word of God into the darkness. They felt the evil spirit leave as quickly as it came.
We know that when we are living for God and tearing down the devil’s strongholds, we are going to be a target. Isaiah 59:15 (NIV) states, “He who departs from evil makes himself a prey.” It is a spiritual battle, not a battle against flesh and blood. Ephesians 6:12 (KJV), explains it this way, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”
Faith and fear both work in the spirit realm. Faith is constructive, but fear is destructive. Faith is grounded in truth, but fear is based on lies. Faith is based on the promises and goodness of God, fear comes from the deceptive lies of Satan.
I John 4:18 (NKJV) tells us, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear; because fear involves torment. But he that fears has not been made perfect in love.” The antidote for fear is love! Satan will try to torment us with thoughts of “what if” or even with the reality of our situation. But instead of allowing ourselves to be consumed with fear and anxiety, we begin “Casting all your anxieties [or fears] on Him, because he [loves] cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7, ESV).
Psalm 46:1-3 (NIV) paints a beautiful picture of faith over fear. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.“ God will walk with us through every storm, through every fear, through every hardship.
Many years ago, we used to sing a chorus that said, “Whose report will you believe? We shall believe the report of the Lord.”
When fear tries to deceive us into believing Satan’s lies, we must decide that we will believe a different report—a report of life, peace, joy, health, and provision.
I won’t list all 365 verses that instruct us to “fear not”, but a few stand out to me:
“So do not fear for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10, NIV).
“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1, KJV).
“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control]” (2 Timothy 1:7, AMP).
“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, ESV).
Today, I choose faith over anxiety, hope over worry, and love over fear. I will believe the report of the Lord!
6 Comments
This week at close to midnight while waiting in my daughter’s room for her to fall asleep, I was attacked by this same spirit based on something I saw in my physical body. After doing some quick research, almost everything was pointing in a horrible direction. I prayed, pulled out a lesson the Lord had given me about Job, and immediately the Lord reminded me that the devil had no power to kill Job and if he had no power to kill Job, he can’t kill me. The Lord showed me the fear that the enemy was using and I was able to throw my cares back on Jesus and went to sleep.
Thank you for this article that reminds me of what I was fighting…it was a spiritual battle and we win!!!
Shirlane, thank you for sharing your testimony. God’s word gives us power of fear and you are right, we win!
Thanks for this article. I have experience many fears and God has delivered me from fear. Interesting enough that the example you describe by being push down in bed by a dark heavy spirit of darkness that would not allow you to move and speak happen to the young child also has happen to me also, until I called upon the name of Jesus, than it immediately left. Thank The Lord for the power of His Name!
Thanks Isabel. We are more than conquerors through Christ and the power of His name!
Loved this timely message. The enemy is on the prowl seeking to destroy and kill.
There are times I walk through my home casting out any spirit that isn’t from God and pleading for Gods hedge of protection.
Sometimes little evil spirits try to sneak in and I need to be ever alert.
Thank you again and God bless you and your family.
Thanks Gwen. We definitely know that we arent wrestling with flesh and blood but with evil spirits in high places. We have to be ever alert!