When fear takes its grip upon our lives, it affects our view of circumstances, of others and of the future. Fear causes us to doubt the love of God, the presence of God, the provision of God, and even the protection of God. Fear keeps us from doing what God has called us to do. How can we move beyond our fears and approach life with courage?
Courage is the willingness to move forward with our lives in spite of the obstacles and dangers that we face. The nation of Israel, including King Saul, was paralyzed by fear on account of Goliath. His size was overwhelming. However, David had moved beyond his fear to courage. David didn’t see the power of Goliath. He saw the power of His God. His courage has inspired us to face life’s situations with the understanding that God is greater than anything that is happening in our life.
How Can I Move Beyond Fear to Courage?
1. Remember the presence of God. God is with us as we travel through this life. His presence brings courage because we know that we are not alone. If we are passing through the shadow of death. we are not alone. If we are facing some great trial, we are not alone. If we are facing an unknown future, we are not alone. “Fear thou not; for I am with thee:be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” (Isaiah 41:10)
2. Enjoy the love of God. God’s love was clearly demonstrated upon the cross of Christ. The fear of death was removed when Jesus died upon the cross for our sins. His death and resurrection conquered death. If his love has removed our greatest fear, it can also take away all other fears. A baby in the arms of its loving mother has no fear. Likewise, we are in the arms of our loving God. Why should we be ruled by fear? “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” (1 John 4:18) 
3. Develop a fear of God. The fear of God has been defined as: “Realizing that God is watching and weighing every one of my thoughts, words, actions and attitudes.” The fear of God places God in His rightful place in our lives. When our walk with God is right, we can live our life with courage instead of fear. “In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence:and his children shall have a place of refuge.” (Proverbs 14:26)
4. Walk by faith, not by sight. When walk by faith in our loving, all-wise, and all-powerful God, we can face life with courage. Fear cannot exist together with faith. Fear flourishes when we see life from our perspective, instead of trusting our Great God. When faith rules in our heart, we will have the courage to conquer any mountain that is before us. “In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him (Christ).” (Ephesians 3:12)
5. Study and memorize the Word of God. Fear often is the result of ignorance. When we study the Word of God, we see God working in the lives of people such as Moses, Joshua, Ruth, David and Daniel. These people faced fearful situations; yet they faced them with courage because they knew their God. “But the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.” (Daniel 11:32) When we study the Word, we get to know God better. The more we know Him, the more we will be able to trust Him. Our fear will turn into courage, not because of who we are, but because of who He is.
6. Become familiar with the “fear nots” in the Bible. God knows our heart. He knows that we are prone to fear. We are prone to walk by sight and not by faith. He encourages us with many of His “fear nots” in the Bible. Here are just a few.
- Fear not in your life’s journey. “And the Lord appeared unto him the same night, and said, I am the God of Abraham thy father: fear not, for I am with thee,” Genesis 26:24
- Fear not concerning your daily needs. “And Elijah said unto her, Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son. For thus saith the Lord God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the Lord sendeth rain upon the earth.” (1 Kings 17:13-14)
- Fear not when in danger. “And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.” (2 Kings 6:16)
- Fear not in times of weakness. “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee;” (Isaiah 41:10)
- Fear not in times of trials. “Fear not: for I have redeemed thee,I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee;and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned;” (Isaiah 43:1-2)
- Fear not in times of failure. Here is what God said after the Israelites’ failure at Ai. “And the Lord said unto Joshua, Fear not, neither be thou dismayed:” (Joshua 8:1) God did bring the victory after their previous failure.
- Fear not in times of sickness or nearing death. “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4)
“Dear Lord, thank you for assuring me that you are with me throughout this life and for all eternity. Thank you that you give me the courage to move forward in my life in spite of the obstacles that are before me. Please, give me the courage to live each day for you. ”
Author’s Note: This is the second article in the series called “Moving Beyond!”
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