A few years ago, Jami and I had LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank) laid in the entire first floor of our home. So, instead of having four different types of flooring on our first floor, with one being carpet, we now only have one. In addition to getting new flooring, we also have big rugs in two of the rooms with smaller rugs by the front door, the door to the garage and the back sliding door.  We love it. However, our five-year old labrador retriever does not. She’s petrified of the new flooring! I don’t know what changed, but she now essentially lives rug to rug. And as she walks on the LVP to get from rug to rug, you can see the fear in her eyes. As she walks from the front room to the back tv room, this is her routine… She walks from the front room rug, to the stairs which are carpeted, to the front door rug, to the garage door rug, to the sliding door rug, and finally to the back room rug where she can finally relax. And as she’s walking, her legs are shaking as her nails are desperately trying to grab on to what’s not there. She won’t stop on the new flooring. She won’t sit. She won’t even pause to pick up a toy or eat any type of human food. She is simply paralyzed with fear. And so, her little life is confined from one rug to the next all because she has given in to fear. As I look back over my life, there are times that I’ve given in to fear as well. There are even times now where I’m still paralyzed by fear. But that’s not how God has designed us to live. Check this out:

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7

You see, fear is a powerful force. It can paralyze us and keep us from stepping into what God has for us. But God is all-powerful. And through His strength, we can face and confront fear head-on as our faith grows and our fears begin to diminish. So, let’s look at three truths of fear.

First, fear distracts us from what really matters. You see, we could place the tastiest chunk of steak on the floor, and our lab would crouch down desperately trying to grip the floor with her lab nails, and with shaking legs quake past it to get to the next rug. Her fear completely consumes her focus, causing her to miss out of something she desires. Isn’t that how fear works itself out in our life as well? Fear causes us to focus on the obstacles instead of God’s opportunities. When God calls us to something, whether it’s sharing our faith, making a big decision, or stepping into a new season, fear tries to keep us stuck. And we hesitate and overthink which sometimes causes us to miss what God has set before us because we’re too focused on our fear.

That’s what fear does. But when we shift our focus off fear and place our faith in God, the Father, He gives us eyes to see life differently. Instead of dwelling on the fear itself, we get to look to God’s promises, trusting that He’ll guide us even when the path seems uncertain.

Psalm 32:8 says, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”

Secondly, fear steals our strength, but God gives us power. I don’t know about you, but fear is exhausting. It drains my energy. Keeps me up at night. It makes small tasks and decisions feel overwhelming. This is everything fear gives us. It’s fear’s gift to us. But God has something different. You see, God gives us power… He gifts us His power. The power that the Apostle Paul talks about in 2 Timothy isn’t our own strength… it’s not our own power… It’s God’s strength and power working in us. The Greek word for power here is the same word used to describe the power of the Holy Spirit. This means that, as we trust in Jesus, we don’t have to rely on our own abilities. We have access to the God’s power working in and through us. In fact, the result is 100 times better and greater because of this than if the result only depended upon my own abilities! How great is that!

Isaiah 41:10 says, “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.”

When we face our fear, we can remind ourselves that we are not alone. God is with us, equipping us to stand strong. Instead of giving in to our fear, we can walk in faith knowing that His power is greater than anything we face.

And third, fear is self-focused, but love looks outward. As I look at myself when I’ve been paralyzed by fear I’ve noticed that it turns my attention inward. I begin to worry about my safety, my reputation, my future. My attention is on ME. But God has given us a spirit of love, a love that gets rid of fear and redirects our focus to God and others.

1 John 4:18 says, “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”

You see, when we operate out of fear, we hesitate to step into obedience. Maybe we avoid sharing the Gospel because we’re afraid of rejection. Maybe we hold back from serving because we’re afraid of failure. Maybe we don’t step into the new thing because we’re afraid of the unknown. But when love leads us, when Jesus leads us, we can push past fear because our focus is on God’s glory and the joy living within obedience to Him. Love empowers us to take risks in Jesus’ name. It encourages us to trust that God will work through us despite our fear because of His love for us.

Ultimately, fear keeps us wanting what’s comfortable, which in turn, keeps us from the joy and full life Jesus give us as we step past our fear in obedience to His will for our life. We don’t have to live lives controlled by fear. Through God’s Word we can renew our minds and replace fear-filled thoughts with faith-filled thoughts.

Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Are you missing out on what God has for you because you’re too focused on fear? Or will you trust the One who has given you power, love, and a sound mind?

Step out in faith. Walk in confidence. And remember, you were not given a spirit of fear! Trust Jesus over fear today.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10