Why Simply Praying Against Fear Isn't Enough


Fear is a bully that wants to stop us from moving forward. Stop us from believing things can change. Stop us from pursuing the seemingly impossible dreams in our hearts.

For years I diligently prayed against fear. I prayed fear would be far from me. That God would protect me from fear. That fear would leave me alone.

Then I realized that those prayers would require God to place me in a bubble, never interact with people, and never leave my house.

Ahem.

Until Christ’s return, fear will not leave this earth. One look at the headlines makes that clear.

That’s when it occurred to me that instead of praying against fear, my prayers should shift.
And so, my prayers changed. Drastically. And if you’re battling fear on any level or in any area of your life, I’d like to invite you to do the same.
  • Instead of praying that fear would be far from me, I asked God to give me a strong, bold, and very courageous heart (see Joshua 1:9) when fear came near.
  • Instead of asking God to protect me from fear, I asked God to make my heart stout and enduring (see Psalm 27:14) when I felt exposed to fear.
  • Instead of praying that fear would leave me alone, I prayed that I would never feel alone when I faced fear (see Isaiah 41:10) -- because I'm not, and neither are you.

And these prayers, based on Scripture, have made a world of difference.
Filling our minds and hearts with the truth is far more powerful than only praying against something. Scripture is how Jesus overcame the devil when He was tempted in the wilderness. 
And when the fear-bully taunts us, praying Scripture will strengthen our hearts, and we will overcome, too.

How about you? Are you fighting fear? Which of these scriptures resonates most with you?

{Give-Away!} Today I'm linking up with the awesome Soli Deo Gloria sisters. And BONUS! Jen is giving away a signed copy of my book. Hurry over and visit her beautiful blog, Finding Heaven Today and enter for a chance to win! 




11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Julie, I chuckled when I read this post. Because just moments before, I'd been praying about fear that I'm experiencing. I just love the way God works. To speak to us right where we are. Right in the middle of what we are going through. Thanks for this post!

BethA

Julie Gillies said...

Haha, BethA! I LOVE when God does that! HE is flat-out awesome! :-)

Rachel Beran said...

Which verse resonates with me the most? All of them. Oh, to be bold and courageous, stout and enduring, to realize I am never alone. Fear can't help but flee when we know and dwell on these powerful Truths! Thanks for the timely, fabulous reminder this morning, Julie. Your posts are always a blessing to me. <3

Susan said...

The Word is the only offensive weapon we have in our spiritual armor. Nothing defeats fear better than God's truth! Thank you for the great references, Julie.

achildoftheking said...

Julie: This is a great message and reminder of the sovereignty of GOD. All those scriptures resonated with me. The most powerful was this one:
Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10
I've been dealing with a lot of fear this past several months. Thank you for this message, Julie.

reflectionscounseling said...

Good reminder, thank u!

Hester's Heart said...

Julie,

This is a very good take on fear and a practical way to combat it with Truth. Amen! Good word!

Love, Hester ;)

Paige Ward said...

I don't know how you always know what is in my head and heart. Thank you for the scriptures and insight on how to pray about fear.

none said...

I need this book.It just speaks to a womans soul.

Anonymous said...
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Anonymous said...

Julie, thank you for this post, I honestly had never thought about it that way, it makes so much sense. Have a blessed day. Tara.

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