{"product_id":"overcoming-unhealthy-fear","title":"Overcoming Unhealthy Fear","description":"\u003cp\u003eFirst of all, fear is real. We mustn’t deny or ignore the emotion, even though the reasons may be rational or irrational. Unhealthy fear causes a lack of peace and steals our joy in our lives and often affects others you love. It’s difficult to live this way.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eGod understands and feels your pain and wants to help you overcome it.  Overcoming, however, starts with a self-awareness to define fear and understand the cause. There is healing in the revealing, not the concealing. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOnce understood, we can then take steps to overcome it. Fear is a term that describes an emotional response in reaction to something that may be dangerous or threatening. Even a phobia, although it’s an irrational fear to some situation, activity, or object, often leads to a panic attack even when there is no real danger. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWe all fear something, based on a need that may not be met: the fear of rejection (the need to be accepted), the fear of failure (the need to succeed), the fear of emotional discomfort (the need to feel emotionally comfortable), and the fear of being wrong (the need to be right). In addition, there is the fear of failing health, abandonment, and not finding Mr. or Mrs. Right. There is fear in not finding your true calling in life, which is a strong sense of purpose or vocation that gives meaning and direction. To add to the pain of these fears, you may also have no one there to support you through them, meaning you to have to deal with it all on your own. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEach of these fears can cause panic, anxiety, and worry. Forces beyond your control seem to be driving you into an unmet need leading to this physical or emotional pain. While people often think of fear as an emotional response, physical responses are also involved, such as: \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIncreased heart rate \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFaster breathing or shortness of breath\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eButterflies or digestive changes \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSweating and chills \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTrembling muscles \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe inability to make simple decisions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis \u003cb\u003eF.E.A.R.\u003c\/b\u003e may not be based on truth (\u003cb\u003eF\u003c\/b\u003ealse \u003cb\u003eE\u003c\/b\u003evidence \u003cb\u003eA\u003c\/b\u003eppearing \u003cb\u003eR\u003c\/b\u003eeal) or it may be (\u003cb\u003eF\u003c\/b\u003eactual \u003cb\u003eE\u003c\/b\u003evidence \u003cb\u003eA\u003c\/b\u003ectually \u003cb\u003eR\u003c\/b\u003eeal). Whatever the case, feelings are real and need to be \u003cb\u003evalidated before eradicated\u003c\/b\u003e. Don’t suppress or express them, but confess them to God and, if necessary, to a trusted friend. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSome fear is okay, however, because it keeps us from danger. It is beneficial as it alerts an individual to a perceived threat, such as the knowledge of fire on the condition of the skin. At the same time, some is not, such as not trying from the fear of making a mistake and its effects on yourself, how others view you, and the criticism that follows. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFear as mentioned above is influenced by \u003cb\u003echanges\u003c\/b\u003e in our mood and\/or our behavior resulting from different influencers. It’s important that we understand them to begin the healing. What are those influencers? \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCharacter weaknesses (procrastination, not being prepared\/organized)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHealth issues (tiredness, sleep deprivation, illness in the mind and body)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAlteration in life (transition: moving, marriage, parenting, career changes)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNot trusting God when life doesn’t make sense (doubting)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eGreat expectations not being met in relationships (feelings of hopelessness)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEmotional Trauma (betrayal, abuse, infidelity, past failures, loss)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSecurity is threatened (protected, provided for, and guided; an unmet need for acceptance and belonging) \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAll of these factors create a sense of instability in our thinking and feeling. If not dealt with, they can become strong attitudes that in turn affect our actions (habits) towards ourselves, others, and God. Left untreated, they lead to anger, which needs to be pacified to be rectified. This is where abuse to ourselves (condemnation) and others (retribution) ensues. What is the answer? We must “nip it in the bud” before it blossoms into something bad, but how?\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFear not only stifles your peace and joy, but it also leaves you with a lack of purpose in life. This feeling of failure that you’ll never achieve your goals or have the opportunity to prove yourself leads one to become hope-challenged. Life seems out of control. What is necessary to keep the hope alive until you can thrive again? \u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eGod’s Answer\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eIs there any way to get on top of the waves instead of being overcome by them and drowning in the sea of despair and futility? Yes. It is primarily found in this amazing promise from the One who has never dealt with (or will deal with) a problem He couldn’t solve. Deuteronomy 31:8 (NLT) says:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003e“Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD will \u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003ci\u003epersonally\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003e go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.”  \u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIsn’t this wonderful to know that God HIMSELF will be with you through the trials so that you can \u003cb\u003egrow through what you go through\u003c\/b\u003e? Romans 5:3-5 (NIV) says: \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003e“We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e Someday God will take your test and turn it into a testimony and your misery into a ministry. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003e“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God”\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e \u003ci\u003e(2 Cor 1:3-4, NIV).\u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePlease remember, there is \u003cb\u003enever a time that we should lose hope and become depressed, because God is both all-powerful and caring\u003c\/b\u003e. These are two very important theological points to remember. Why? Because if God is all-powerful, but doesn’t care to get involved, then how does this solve the problem? In the same way, if God cares, but doesn’t have the power to change things, then what good is his concern? You see, God is unchanging and therefore there is \u003cb\u003enever a reason to feel in despair\u003c\/b\u003e. Hebrews 13:8 says, \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003e“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e As long as a merciful God is on the throne, then there is always hope. Will His position ever change? Never!\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eYour view of God determines your hope \u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eIf you think that God is indifferent or incapable, how will that help to get you through the problem? If you want to increase your \u003cb\u003eTRUST\u003c\/b\u003e (\u003cb\u003eT\u003c\/b\u003eotal \u003cb\u003eR\u003c\/b\u003eeliance \u003cb\u003eU\u003c\/b\u003epon \u003cb\u003et\u003c\/b\u003ehe \u003cb\u003eS\u003c\/b\u003ecripture’s\/\u003cb\u003eS\u003c\/b\u003eavior’s \u003cb\u003eT\u003c\/b\u003eruth), you must study and believe God’s word! Fear often is a lack of trust in God. \u003cb\u003eTo know God is to trust Him\u003c\/b\u003e \u003ci\u003e(Psalm 9:10)\u003c\/i\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMany try to manage fear through a combination of medical interventions, mindfulness techniques, or talk therapy. There are benefits to these methods. The Bible, however, has a lot to say about overcoming fear. It not only gives us the truth to follow, but also the power to follow it from a life surrendered to Him! This is real freedom. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eA Healthy F.E.A.R.\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eHow do we strengthen this solid truth in God once we know that He is with us? What will it take to overcome my fears that keep me from being the best child that God created all for His glory? First, we must have the right kind of fear—a healthy one. \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003e“His salvation is very near those who fear him, so that glory may dwell in our land”\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e \u003ci\u003e(Psalm 85:9, CSB). \u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eThe Whole Duty of Man                                                                                                        \u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003e“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: \u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003ci\u003eFear God\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003e, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man”\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e \u003ci\u003e(Ecc 12:13, KJV).\u003c\/i\u003e  \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003e“The LORD delights in those who \u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003ci\u003efear him\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003e, who put their hope in his unfailing love”\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e \u003ci\u003e(Psalm 147:11, NIV).\u003c\/i\u003e \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003e“The \u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003ci\u003efear of the LORD\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003e is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding”\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e \u003ci\u003e(Prov 9:10, NIV). \u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHere is a list of that kind of healthy \u003cb\u003eF.E.A.R.\u003c\/b\u003e that God delights in and how to develop it. In which of these areas can you grow? \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eF\u003cb\u003eirst seek God (Matt 6:33)—\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003e“Assemble the people, the men and the women and children and the alien who is in your town, so that they may hear and learn and fear the LORD your God, and be careful to observe all the words of this law. Their children, who have not known, will hear and learn to fear the LORD your God, as long as you live on the land” \u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003ci\u003e(Deut 31:12-13). \u003c\/i\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003e“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness”\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e \u003ci\u003e(2 Tim 3:16, NIV). \u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eE\u003cb\u003examine the word and world of God—His special and general revelation—\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003e“When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear. They stayed at a distance and said to Moses, ‘Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not have God speak to us or we will die’”\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e \u003ci\u003e(Exo 20:18-19, NIV). \u003c\/i\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003e“For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse”\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e \u003ci\u003e(Rom 1:20, ESV).\u003c\/i\u003e  Spend time in the great outdoors. Read science occasionally. Go on long vacations in the wild. Also meditate and recite the Word of God \u003ci\u003e(See Psalm 119:105).\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA\u003cb\u003epply your heart to understanding—\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003e“...turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding...then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God”\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e \u003ci\u003e(Prov 2:2,5, NIV). \u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eR\u003cb\u003eecognize the wrath of God—\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003e“There is no fear of God before their eyes”\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e \u003ci\u003e(Rom 3:18, ESV).\u003c\/i\u003e \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003e“For we know him who said, ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ and again, ‘The Lord will judge his people.’ It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God”\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003ci\u003e (Heb 10:30-31).\u003c\/i\u003e God’s patience is lasting, but not everlasting, meaning someday the day of consequences are coming. The wages of sin is death \u003ci\u003e(Rom 6:23). \u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eS\u003cb\u003etrong hatred towards sin—\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003e“To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech”\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e \u003ci\u003e(Proverbs 8:13, NIV).\u003c\/i\u003e \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003e“But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell”\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e \u003ci\u003e(Mat 5:22, NLT).\u003c\/i\u003e Be kind to one another \u003ci\u003e(Eph 4:32).\u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSo you see, \u003cb\u003eovercome fear by being overcome by the right kind of fear.\u003c\/b\u003e We need to replace the bad fear with the good kind—\u003cb\u003ea bad habit with a good habit\u003c\/b\u003e. This can only come by a heart change. \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003e“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment”\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e \u003ci\u003e(1 John 4:18). \u003c\/i\u003eWhat kind of punishment? John 3:35-36 says, \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003e“The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever \u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003ci\u003erejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003e” \u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003ci\u003e(NIV).\u003c\/i\u003e \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003e“\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003ci\u003eAnd these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003e” \u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003ci\u003e(Matt 25:46; see also Matt 25:41; Rev 20:10).\u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHow does one avoid God’s wrath of everlasting punishment? By surrendering your life to Him. Romans 10:9 says, \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003e“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” \u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003ci\u003e(NIV).\u003c\/i\u003e Call on Him now and the peace of God will come into your heart.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003ePrayer makes a difference\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eDon’t worry. In the end, everything will turn out okay, if you love God \u003ci\u003e(Rom 8:28)\u003c\/i\u003e. If things are not okay, then it is not the end. \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003e“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, \u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003ci\u003elet your requests be made known to God\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003e; and the \u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003ci\u003epeace of God\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003e, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus”\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e \u003ci\u003e(Phil 4:6,7).\u003c\/i\u003e Run into your Father’s arms. He is waiting.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor the Christian, this life is the worse it will ever get—i.e. heaven is coming and it only gets better! If you’re not a believer, than this life is the best it will ever get (no matter how bad it may be)—\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003e“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment”\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003ci\u003e (Heb 9:27, KJV).\u003c\/i\u003e \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003e“Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire”\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e \u003ci\u003e(Rev 20:15, NIV).\u003c\/i\u003e \u003cb\u003eAre you in the book?\u003c\/b\u003e If you are, you have nothing to fear. If you are not, you have EVERYTHING to fear. It’s your choice. It starts, however, with humbling yourself before Him. Don’t wait. Do it now. \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003e“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved”\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e \u003ci\u003e(Rom 10:13).\u003c\/i\u003e Pray to God now and ask Him to forgive yours sins and to come into your life \u003ci\u003e(Rom 10:9).\u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLove Like Jesus,\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTom Tofilon\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePastor\/Author of \u003ci\u003ePraying to God our Father\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PrintMyTract.com","offers":[{"title":"Standard (up to 3 weeks) \/ 100","offer_id":68001879720121,"sku":"nej1793016300543","price":40.15,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Rush (1 week) \/ 100","offer_id":68001879752889,"sku":"ybf1793016300544","price":50.25,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Standard (up to 3 weeks) \/ 250","offer_id":68001879785657,"sku":"sek1793016300545","price":77.03,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Rush (1 week) \/ 250","offer_id":68001879818425,"sku":"ecr1793016300546","price":108.62,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Standard (up to 3 weeks) \/ 500","offer_id":68001879851193,"sku":"qpg1793016300547","price":79.2,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Rush (1 week) \/ 500","offer_id":68001879883961,"sku":"kmd1793016300548","price":146.3,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Standard (up to 3 weeks) \/ 1000","offer_id":68001879916729,"sku":"xtp1793016300549","price":131.1,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Rush (1 week) \/ 1000","offer_id":68001879949497,"sku":"vun1793016300550","price":202.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Standard (up to 3 weeks) \/ 2500","offer_id":68001879982265,"sku":"gdf1793016300551","price":324.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Rush (1 week) \/ 2500","offer_id":68001880015033,"sku":"iol1793016300552","price":383.4,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Standard (up to 3 weeks) \/ 5000","offer_id":68001880047801,"sku":"cqh1793016300553","price":447.12,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Rush (1 week) \/ 5000","offer_id":68001880080569,"sku":"mju1793016300554","price":533.75,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Standard (up to 3 weeks) \/ 10000","offer_id":68001880113337,"sku":"pox1793016300555","price":781.55,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Rush (1 week) \/ 10000","offer_id":68001880146105,"sku":"avl1793016300556","price":904.4,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0698\/4676\/1657\/files\/overcoming-unhealthy-fear_1.jpg?v=1793016309","url":"https:\/\/trendovawear.shop\/products\/overcoming-unhealthy-fear","provider":"My Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}