Overcoming Fear
Written by Brooke Hamel
Some days are harder than others. Some days you just wake up and find yourself in a battle with fear. It can hit you out of nowhere—nausea, exhaustion, a fog that makes it hard to function. You wonder, Why am I fighting this again? Fear you thought was conquered tries to creep back in. After I left my husband -my abuser, I looked over my shoulder for months. Seeing a car similar to his made me jumpy. The enemy knows our weak spots and how to hit us where it hurts.
Whether our fear is “justified” or not is beside the point. Faith is believing despite the circumstances. I could have a knife to my throat and still stand without fear—if I have but the tiniest grain of faith that God has me. I little over a year ago, I had a moment where I couldn’t find that faith. I wanted to. I’ve faced many fears. I’ve overcome through Christ. I’ve grown. I didn’t think I could feel that afraid again. But there I was—Afraid. Nauseous. Unable to eat for over a day.
Attacks happen.
So what do we do when the hooks of the enemy dig in so deep that prayer feels ineffective? When praise music doesn’t lift the heaviness? When fear makes it hard to breathe, let alone sing?
What do we do when our faith falters?
A friend once told me that when he needs answers, he keeps pressing in—praying, searching Scripture, listening to sermons, soaking in God’s Word. So I followed his lead. I went to my journals, old and new. I pulled out my concordance. I read devotionals on fear. I searched verse after verse.
And do you know what I found written over and over again?
“Do not be afraid.”
Okay, Lord… but how?
I’ve learned (thanks to Pastors Andy and Kyle) that breaking things down helps. So I started with a definition.
The Oxford Dictionary defines fear as an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat. Fear is talked about so often in Scripture that the Strong’s Concordance devotes multiple pages to it. Clearly, God wants us to understand fear—what it is, when it’s healthy, and how to overcome it.
Healthy fear can keep us safe. We tell our kids not to run into the street—not because we want them to live in fear, but because we want them to live. Looking both ways is wise. But when fear becomes paralyzing—when a child refuses to cross a street at all—that fear is no longer serving them. In the same way, unhealthy fear leads to stress, anxiety, avoidance, and even a distortion of reality.
So what causes fear?
Fear can come from many places:
Disobedience and guilt: I did something wrong—now I’m afraid of the consequences.
Trauma or persecution: I was abused—what if it happens again?
Natural events: A storm is coming—will I be safe?
Suspicion: I’ve been hurt—are these new friends talking about me too?
Uncertainty: I lost my job—will I be able to provide?
Grief: I’ve lost loved ones—what if I lose someone else?
At It’s Core, Fear is a Lack of Faith
Fear also comes when we care deeply about others. We want to protect those we love, and sometimes that desire becomes overwhelming.
But unhealthy fear distorts our thinking. It can lead to anxiety, depression, anger, paranoia, jealousy, and even sin. It can silence our testimony, keep us from stepping out in faith, and hold us captive.
At its core, fear is a lack of faith.
You may be thinking, But I do have faith! I do too. I have seen God provide. I believe His promises. But not long ago, I let fear overwhelm me. I let someone into my home, and later I felt a deep sense of unease. He had given his daughter electronics that we later found spyware on. And yes, I know parents have that right, but there is a lot more I won’t go into. But let’s just say in this situation, it was very concerning. A day soon after, I got a text from him almost immediately after arriving home—and I panicked. I was convinced there was spyware in my house. My faith in God’s provision hadn’t changed, but in that moment, I forgot who my Protector was.
As I pressed into God, the fog began to lift. I remembered what He had taught me. And next time, I’ll be stronger.
Fear may come again. But so will God’s faithfulness.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” —2 Timothy 1:7
So how do we fight fear?
1. We take our thoughts captive.
“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” —2 Corinthians 10:5
We recognize the lies. We replace them with truth. We speak God’s Word over our minds, our emotions, our situations.
2. We cast our anxiety on Him.
“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” —1 Peter 5:7
We choose joy. I used to ask, How am I supposed to choose joy when I feel like crying?
It’s not easy. But I’ve seen it work. You start by shifting your thoughts—looking for the good, thanking God, even when it’s hard. Choosing joy doesn’t mean pretending you’re not hurting—it means trusting that God is still good even when things feel bad.
3. We remember the peace Jesus gives.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” —John 14:27
His peace is not like the world’s. It’s not temporary. It doesn’t depend on our situation. It’s a gift. We just have to receive it.
4. We proclaim His truth.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” —2 Timothy 1:7
Read this. Speak this. Declare it over your life. Over and over again.
God didn’t make you to be fearful. He gives you power. He gives you love. He gives you a sound mind.
5. We declare God’s protection.
Psalm 23:1–6… “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me…”
That valley may feel dark, but you are not alone. His rod and staff comfort you. He anoints you. Your cup runs over. And surely—surely—His goodness and mercy will follow you.
Do not let fear stop you today. Do let fear stop you tomorrow or the next day. Whatever your fear may be, God wants to take it from you.
Pray this with me.
Lord,
Today I am afraid. Today I am battling my mind. Take all my fears, my anxiety, my depression (lift up anything the fear is causing). Give me peace and increase my faith so that I may learn to trust you in this. Amen
Now I want you to take some time to read back over the verses above. Pick one that speaks to you and memorize it. Write it down and carry it with you. When you are fearful pray the verse over your life. I have also found that singing praises helps keep a multitude of things like fear at bay and helps to take captive your thoughts. So turn on your music and praise the Lord.
My prayer for you today is that the Lord grant you freedom from fear, peace from whatever they are struggling with and hope for today and for the future.
Until next time,
Brooke
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