If you've ever needed help defeating fear and anxiety, I recommend memorizing one transforming scripture.
If you believe, meditate, and act upon it, the scripture blows feelings of defeat right up.
What is this powerful scripture? It is Isaiah 41:10:
Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
When you feel defeated, you may think you are all alone. It can even be seductive to nurture self-pitying, fearful, and anxious thoughts.
Weirdly, it can feel good to feel bad!
However, you are in the most danger of destructive habits, like emotional or binge eating, when your emotions are in torment.
This thinking pattern can be comforting if you've thought this way for a long time, like slipping on an old, ratty bathrobe.
But even though the feelings are accurate, the thoughts behind them are deceptive.
When I found myself in this pit, I realized that I was entertaining a "familiar spirit" – one that meant me no good. A familiar spirit finds rest when your emotions are in torment!
However, one of the reasons God gives us His word is so that we can recognize His truth from lying thoughts the enemy puts into our minds - and walk according to the truth.
The following article covers three thoughts to meditate upon so that you can use Isaiah 41:10 for defeating fear and anxiety.
Let's break down Isaiah 41:10 to learn how to remove fear from the mind and heart.
Defeating Fear and Anxiety: "Fear not, for I am with you..."
God tells us that the basis for having courage is to recognize that He is with you. Whatever your feelings say, the truth remains: God never leaves you nor forsakes you.
Believing that principle is crucial in defeating fear and anxiety.
It is always your choice to believe God's word or your feelings if they contradict one another.
Resist the temptation to worship at the altar of your feelings. Magnify God above your emotions.
"...Be not dismayed, for I am your God"
Dismayed means that you are discouraged and give up hope. However, defeating fear and anxiety requires remembering God's character. Our God:
- Parted the Red Sea
- Brought new life to barren wombs
- Helped His people defeat countless enemies
- Restored the sight to blinded eyes
- Made the lame walk
- Raised people from the dead
Is anything too hard from the Lord? No!
"I will Strengthen, Help, and Uphold you..."
The same God promises to:
- Strengthen you
- Help you
- Uphold you with His righteous right hand
No higher assurance exists for defeating fear and anxiety than that! If you are feeling overwhelmed, take a moment to write down the answer to this question:
What small thing could I do right now to move forward with the Lord on my side?”
Taking even just a tiny action in faith toward defeating fear and anxiety will do wonders for your energy and outlook.
It may take time to learn new ways of thinking and acting. But if you are consistent with meditation and practice, you will develop a thankful heart as 2 Corinthians 2:14 becomes your reality:
Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.
So resolve today to be diligent in renewing your mind to God's word and putting it into practice - the key to defeating fear and anxiety. On the day of trial, you will be able to stand firm with supernatural confidence that will astonish you!