3 Simple Ways To Overcome Fear Spiritually
Are you tired of letting fear control your life? Does it feel impossible for you to ever overcome your fears? In this article, you’ll find 3 ways to overcome fear and learn powerful tips to start living the life you you’ve always wanted.
Lately I’ve needed enormous amounts of patience for my six year old son who seems to be afraid of… well… everything.
There’s his newfound fear of the ant hills in the backyard, his fear of flushing toilets, talking to people he doesn’t know, talking to people he does know, getting up to throw away trash at school, and the fear of never getting to play Nintendo again. (It’s been 3 days.)
But while the things Jayden is worried about right now may seem silly to me, it’s not always easy to just get over fear – even as adults.
In the Bible, it says that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7)
This tells me that if we’re stuck in a cycle of worry or anxiety about something, we can break free from fear. But just hearing someone tell us not to be afraid won’t do the trick.
Why am I afraid?
More than anything, our fears can be frustrating because they hold us back from experiencing freedom in our everyday lives. You may even feel fear about something and not fully understand why! This is totally normal.
We experience fear as a natural human emotion that triggers in our mind as a response to something that seems like a danger or threat. Fear is a natural reaction that God created in us and it really is key to helping us survive and avoid dangerous situations. (I.E. this car is going super fast. I should put on my seatbelt!)
But fears that we experience in daily life, from talking to strangers or swimming in deep water, can stem from a lot of sources – including past experiences and social influences.
We need a healthy dose of fear because it helps to protect us from harm and danger. But we must recognize the difference between good and healthy fear, and the fear that holds us back from living freely and enjoying life.
Getting free from fear
Getting free from fear in our lives isn’t something that happens instantly. It takes time, discipline, faith, and sometimes a little extra outside help too!
Fear can be a powerful force that holds us back from achieving our goals and living our best lives. But with the right strategies, it’s possible to overcome fear and take control of your future.
Here are 3 ways to overcome fear and start living the life you deserve.
1. Identify the root cause of your fear.
To overcome fear, you have to understand where it’s coming from. If you’re experiencing a bout of fear, take a few minutes to reflect on what is triggering it. For every answer you come up with, ask yourself “Why?” Try to identify the root cause. Is it a past experience that still haunts you? Is it the fear of failure or rejection? The better you understand the source of your fear, the easier it will be to address it and find ways to overcome it. For some of us, this may involve seeking professional help or even just talking with a trusted friend or family member about your feelings.
2. Challenge your fears with rational thinking.
This is my favorite! One of the most effective strategies to overcome fear is challenging it with rational thinking. Don’t be afraid to question the validity of your fears, and really pick apart and examine the evidence that supports them. Ask yourself, “Is this fear based on facts or assumptions?” and “What evidence do I have to support this fear?” When you step outside yourself to challenge your fears, you’ll start to see them in a more realistic light and reduce their power over you.
3. Take action and face your fears head-on.
Lastly, one of the most effective ways to overcome fear is to just face it head-on. Yes, I’m serious. This means taking action despite feeling afraid. Start small by doing something that scares you a little. Then gradually work your way up to bigger challenges. If the idea of public speaking makes your stomach turn, start by speaking in front of a small group of friends or family. As you get more comfortable, work your way up to sharing in front of larger group or even giving a presentation at work.
Remember this: The more you face your fears, the easier it will become to overcome them.
How to overcome fear and anxiety spiritually
If you’re a believer in God, then you have some additional tools available for breaking free from fear. Not a Christian or unsure of what you believe? That’s okay, too. There’s no right or wrong way or time to connect with God for the first time. You can start today! Although none of these are quick fixes, over time they can make a considerable difference in your everyday life.
Here are a few ways you can overcome fear and anxiety spiritually.
Commit to prayer: The great thing about prayer is it helps you to remember that you have someone who is with you by your side, supporting you at all times. Praying to God reminds you that you are part of something larger than yourself, and He is in control of every single thing you fear. By turning your worries into prayers, you can begin to feel a sense of inner peace that helps alleviate fear.
Practice mindfulness: Focusing on mindfulness and making time for meditation throughout your day can help you become more aware of your thoughts and emotions. which can help you better understand and manage fear. Being centered in the present moment can help you detach from fearful thoughts that may be holding you back.
Read the Bible: The Bible is the divine Word of God, and it’s full of stories and scriptures around the issues of fear and anxiety. Study them, memorize them and refer back to this powerful verses when you need to overcome fear. Suggested verses: Philippians 4:6-7, Matthew 6:25-27, John 14:27, Joshua 1:9
Serve Others: When you feel crippled by fear, this one may seem counterintuitive. But it actually helps so much! Serving others can be a powerful way to overcome fear by focusing on something other than yourself. So why not volunteer with an organization in your town? Babysit for a friend – for free! Help your neighbor with their yard work. There are opportunities all around. Your service to others can provide a sense of purpose and help you conquer your own fear and anxiety.
“ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” – Philippians 4:6
Conclusion
These exercises to overcome fear can be done anytime and anywhere. No matter what fears you are facing today, your fear does not have to rule and control your life. I hope that these tools and tactics will help you find ways to overcome fear in your own life. Which of these strategies are you planning to try this week?
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