How to Pull Up the Root of Fear

the root of fear

Fear of failure is the biggest fear people have when it comes to change. The root of fear entangles them.

Many think, “What if it doesn’t work?”

When your decisions are rooted in fear, fear keeps you stuck where you are.

The key to overcoming fear is to recognize what feeds its roots.

Just like a weed, you can’t just break it off at the surface to eliminate it; you must pull it up by the roots!

In the following article, we will cover the following topics:

What is the Spiritual Root of Fear?

Many years ago, I faced a situation that exposed fears’ roots in my life.

The Spiritual root of fear is rooted in the fear of death according to Hebrews 2:14-15. Jesus came to “…release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.”

The following is an example I experienced and how I overcame fear. If you grab hold of this 1 principle and practice it, it could change your life too.

One Saturday many years ago, I decided to drive to the other side of town to check out a new health food store. When I started my journey, the sky was blue with only a few clouds in the sky.

But as I drove along, the sky became darker and darker. The wind picked up. I soon drove right into a thunderstorm.

The rain was coming down so hard that I couldn’t see anything. I tried to look for a place to pull off of the road, but cars on both sides of me locked me into my lane.

Then it began to hail, quarter-sized pieces falling from the sky. The noise was deafening as it beat against the windshield.

Horrific images saturated my mind.

I imagined a piece of hail shattering the glass. I saw the window breaking with glass pieces cutting me to shreds. Then I saw my car skidding into one of the other cars, causing a massive wreck with many fatalities – including myself.

After what seemed like forever, I came to a stoplight. I sat there for a moment, my heart pounding in my chest. It hurt to breathe. The light turned green. I turned the corner left and…

I drove right out of the storm.

It was not raining around that corner. There was no hail, no wind. It was dry and although there were a few clouds, the sun was shining!

It was the weirdest thing I’ve ever experienced.

I looked back over my shoulder to the place I had been. The storm was still raging back there and cars were still stuck in it.

There was probably someone like me in that storm, scared out of her mind, with similar horrific imaginations tormenting her.

As I continued on to my destination, I thought “I wish I could give her peace. Her change is coming up. It is just around the corner.”

What can you do to conquer fear when you are in the midst of it?

You’ve probably never heard this definition of fear before, but if you grab hold of it, it can change your life.

Fear Redefined

This definition comes from Dax Moy, a personal trainer and author. He defines F.E.A.R. as this:

F.E.A.R:

Forever Expecting Awful Results

The operative word here is “expecting.”

I was imagining disaster and death in the midst of my storm. This is what usually happens when a person faces the unknown.

Because they don’t know what is going to happen, they make up some stinking story to keep themselves stuck. Somehow, they think doing so will keep them safe.

They secretly think “I might be miserable where I am, but at least that is misery I know! I am comfortable here.”

So they keep expecting awful results, pain, deprivation, death, rejection, whatever it takes to keep themselves rooted where they are.

Here is what the Bible says about fear in 1 John 4:18:

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.”

In this scripture, you learn about fear’s enemy as well as its friend.

Fear’s enemy is love. Fear and love cannot abide one another. They cannot even stand to be in the same room!

On the other hand, fear and torment are best friends. Torment always goes where fear goes.

Torment means “severe mental or physical suffering.” Our expectations manifest through our imagination first.

When you fail to control your imagination through expecting the worst, then you choose to put yourself through mental suffering!

But the Bible tells us what we ought to do regarding our imagination.

Controlling your Imagination

Here is how the Lord says we should control our imaginination.

“Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5);”

I believe God gave us our imaginations to affirm our faith in Him. He wants us to know Him intimately.

For that reason, when your imagination creates mental pictures that are contrary to what God’s word says, we do not let that picture stand. We replace that picture with one of faith.

I love how author David Ireland defines F.A.I.T.H:

F.A.I.T.H:

Full Assurance in the Heart

While fear usually has us looking at our past, at ourselves, or at our circumstances, faith has us looking to our future, to God, and to His promises.

Faith in God usually means moving forward!

What does this mean for us in conquering fear? Let’s find out.

2 Steps to Pull up Fear’s Roots

Here are 2 simple steps to pull up fear’s roots:

1. Allow God’s promises to capture your imagination. If you are holding on to a promise from God, then you know something good will happen in the end, even if you have to endure some rain, wind, and hail on the way to getting there!

I could have imagined myself coming out of the storm under clear skies, even as the storm raged around me. Me coming out of the storm was the truth; the destruction and death in my imagination was the lie.

Here are some scriptures that would have brought me peace:

What is the Spiritual Root of Fear?
Scripture ReferenceScripture Text
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”
Jeremiah 33:6“Behold, I will bring it health and healing; I will heal them and reveal to them the abundance of peace and truth”

Wouldn’t you have greater peace if you used your imagination for the purpose for which it was designed?

2. Use God’s love to cast out fear. I often use this short prayer when I am afraid: “Lord, perfect me in Your love.” I love Jehoshaphat’s prayer in 2 Chronicles 20:12 too because it helps me humble myself so that I know where my Help comes from:

For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.”

Don’t think that fear won’t try to come at you again! It will keep trying to control you, but with the above steps you can keep that from happening. Be patient as you train your mind to think differently.

Today, I hope you decide to pull up the fear root in your life. Some roots grow deep and are hard to pull up.

But with the Lord on your side, you know its only a matter of time before you succeed. So give the process the time it needs to finish.

The only way you fail is to stop pulling. It’s okay to rest for a moment to catch your breath, but do not quit. Ever. Your future is worth it.

Know where your power comes from and trust that God will get you to your destination in due season!

Be Blessed with Health, Healing, and Wholeness,

Kimberly Taylor

Author of the Take Back Your Temple program

P.S. Do you struggle with overeating sugar? If so, you are not alone!

Overcoming sugar addiction was a key factor on my weight loss journey; I lost 85 pounds and dropped from a size 22 to an 8.

In our 14-day Sugar Detox Challenge online course (inside the Take Back Your Temple program), you’ll get the same success strategies and support to gain peace in your eating habits and achieve lasting weight loss.

Click here to learn more about the Take Back Your Temple program.

“Prayer for Weight Loss”

About the author 

Kimberly Taylor

Kimberly Taylor is a certified Christian life coach and has a heart to help others struggling with emotional eating and weight loss. Once 240 pounds and a size 22, she can testify of God’s goodness and healing power to overcome. She lost 85 pounds as a result of implementing techniques to overcome emotional eating and binge eating disorder.

Kim is the author of "The Take Back Your Temple Program," which teaches Christians how to take control of their weight God's way and the books "The Weight Loss Scriptures" and "The Weight Loss Prayers."

Kim has been featured in Prevention Magazine, Charisma Magazine and on CBN’s 'The 700 Club' television program.

  • My name is Shamim from Uganda currently here in Dubai i had a self discovery that I have a great fear in my me and on my journey for deliverance your message on the roots of fear is of great help God bless you I know I will come stronger through replacing bad imaginations with the promise of God and know all what’s run in my Mind it’s lie
    And I wish when overcome this fear becoz it’s has been a parasite I wish I could one day also help many people who goes through to conquer

    • Amen, Shamim – I pray the Lord enlarge your territory so that you are able to help others overcome fear in the name of Jesus!

  • Good Morning Kim,

    Thank you for this awesome teaching. It really ministered to me as I have been facing a chronic illness for 15 years 2.11.2024. May God continue to use you to strengthen His people. Blessings overflow to you and yours

    Mary

    • Thank you so much, Mary – May the Lord bring you health and heal you, revealing to you the abundance of peace and truth!

  • Thank you so much for writing this.
    I love “ I believe God gave us our imaginations to affirm our faith in Him.”
    So blessed to read this post

  • I loved this.
    I want nothing more than to have Full Assurance in the Heart.
    Even though I hear the lies everyday, all day, God is bigger. I want desperately to hear His truth.

    • Thanks for your feedback, Rhonda – Expect that you will hear God’s voice because your desire is in line with His word. As Jesus said in John 10:27 – “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.”

  • Thank you so much Kimberly. This article and your revelation knowledge blessed me immensely. I’m making a declaration today that I will no longer be crippled by fear. Your message on fear has awakened a new hope and determination in me. May God continue to bless you richly ❤️

  • I have been struggling with fear for years now, and this really lit up a lightbulb in my head. My biggest fears always lead to the fear of death. I once was free of this when I came to believe in God but have fallen back into fear. I really think it’s a lack of trust from my part. I will memorize His promises one by one and dwell on them on a daily basis to see if that will remedy my problem. Thank you so much for your insight. God bless you.

  • Hey Sister Kimberly
    Greetings in the name of JESUS.
    Thank you tremendously for your enlightening and empowreing information.
    How do I get permission to quote from you I’m in the process of writing on fear.Did you write anything on the origin of fear. I googled fear and your information came up.
    GOD’s Blessings.

    • Hi Bro. Allison, thank you for your comment. You have permission to quote from the article as long as you cite Kimberly Taylor as the author and link back to the article on takebackyourtemple.com . Regarding the origin of fear, I haven’t written an article about that, however we do know the first instance of fear in the Bible; after Adam and Eve sinned and hid from the Lord in Genesis 3:9-11:

      “Then the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, “Where are you?”
      So he said, “I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself.”
      And He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you that you should not eat?”

    • You are welcome, Dawn! I pray Isaiah 41:10 with you as you fulfill your calling in the Lord: “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.’”

  • Thank you for your words Kimberly, you have been a blessing to me as I struggle to uproot decades of fear in my life.

    • You are so welcome, Mrs. A! The Lord has given us the blessings of power, love, and a sound mind, which outnumbers fear 3-to-1. Let us use them with His help 🙂

  • Praise to you Lord, Jesus! This was exactly what I needed to know and I am encouraged to continue on this faith journey regardless of the fear that (as you stated) keeps coming back but I keep renewing my mind in God’s word. I am convinced that as I continue to memorize scripture and pray to God I will overcome this fear regarding “bad” health. God bless you and the ministry and please know that you are helping us as you share your gifts.

    • Thank you for sharing, Pamela – I pray the Lord continue to perfect you in His love to cast out all fear and give you wisdom to safeguard your health. May you prosper and be in health even as your soul prospers!

  • This is the most awesome and excellent article. I’ve heard and read many messages regarding fear and overcoming it, but this went right to the root of the issue. Thank you so much for this, Kimberly!

    • I appreciate that feedback, Tracy – all praise to the Lord! May He perfect you in His love to cast out all fear that tries to bind you.

  • I have food addiction-sugar, carbs, comfort food. I’ve also got Lipedema. My goal with your program and with God, is to get to a healthy place in my Lipedema and maintain for life without liposuction. Are you familiar with Lipedema? Thank you for your time and mission.

    • Thanks for your question, Sabine! Our focus with TBYT is to develop habits that help each of us live as a fit and healthy person, day-by-day and step-by-step with God’s help. I am not familiar with Lipedema; any specific direction regarding that disease would be best left to your medical professional. We look forward to sharing the journey with you so that you prosper and be in good health as your soul prospers.

  • Oh I am so blessed by your words. Fear has been trying to get a hold of me and my daughters in the last 12 months through health issues. PRAISE THE LORD we have the victory. Your message is so encouraging and so uplifting. A timely reminder of scripture to claim and speak out over my family and my self. I am forwarding it to my girls to be blessed by it.

    Thank you for your wise words. Truely blessed by God.

    Blessings.

  • Thank you. I’m going thru trying times right now and I know a lot of my thoughts and worries are caused by fear, fear of failure and fear of making the wrong decisions. Fear is paralyzing. Will keep this and reread.

    • Glad to hear that, Debbie – fear is torment. God’s will for for His people’s freedom from torment and to be perfected in His love. That is my prayer for you – that the Lord perfect you in His love, which will cast out fear!

      Fear is not fatal, nor is it final.

      If you fail, you learn from it and move forward with the new knowledge you have.
      If you make the wrong decision, you learn from it and move forward with the new knowledge you have.

  • I have a sense that God has a specific plan for me regarding my future. I am a nurse between jobs after recently moving. Intermittently a sense of fear tempts me to grab any available nursing job even though I believe God is leading me in another direction. Your post was just what I needed to remind me to keep my eyes on Him! Thanks and God bless you!

  • Your example of driving during a storm and turning a corner to better weather was a good one. My first thought though was that’s Florida weather for ya. 🙂 Do you live in Florida? 🙂

  • You are truly an angel as every time I feel discouraged or questioning myself God always reassures me that it’s not over and don’t quit! Fear is a Liar! Thanks so much!

  • I have been fearful recently. We’re developing a faith-based workout. We are considering a space to lease. I have been listing all the negative scenarios, even though I believe that this is my purpose. I thank God for this and you. You have been encouraging a stranger. I am so grateful to this ministry. ❤

    • Glad to hear that, Tiffany – may you move forward confidently in what the Lord is leading you to do, knowing that He is with you 🙂

  • Thank you Kimberly for your powerful words that truly just blessed me. Praise God for the special gift He has given to you through your writing. God bless you!

  • I am at a loss and still struggling with my self my weight and other things.
    Will repeating these scriptures help me ? I just need some sort of breakthrough in my life as a whole.
    I liked reading the comments of all the others it gave me some encourage ment and comfort.Please pray for me.
    I believe Lord help though my unbelief

  • thank you Kimberly for that encouraging word about FEAR I HAVE STRUggled WITH THAT FOR A LONG TIME.just when i overcome something it creeps up again. thanks! to your message i have made an important desicion. I have put it off because, i was afraid. now! i am pressing through it again. Also! your article on “sugar Youu are Fired” is Great!
    God Bless You for encourageing us!

  • Wow! This article is telling me that all that has happened to me is not new under the sun.Someone has probably overcome what have gone, so I’m not alone.

    This is my best article so far

  • This indeed was a great article. Sometimes I feel as though fear paralyzes me and I do exactly as you stated, nothing. I am ready to move forward without fear tagging along behind me, or in some cases ahead of me. I will reread this article for more support as needed. By the way, the Tee Shirts are beautiful. Blue is my favorite color.

  • Thankyou Lord for speaking to me through Kim. Half my
    Life has gone fearing the Unknown . Give me the grace and wisdom to switch over to your words of life and truth when I’m tormented by fear . Thankyou Jesus ! Thanks KIm

  • This is just what I needed! The F.E.A.R. acronym pierced my heart. That is the old me before Jesus. “The fears of the wicked shall come upon him”…BUT the new me gets this promise; ” but the desires of the righteous shall be granted.” Light pushes away the darkness 🙂 thank you

  • Thank you for the WORD!!!!! Reading this article strengthen my hope in Christ and gave me courage to trust God during my weightloss journey!!!!

  • My favorite saying is IT IS ALWAYS THE DARKEST BEFORE THE DAWN. That is when the devil tries to work on your mind. HOLD ON!!!!!!

  • Great word as always. I was thinking I want a decal even before I saw the offer to purchase. I look forward to the thirty offer

  • Kimberly, this article came right on time. I thank GOD for using you as a vessel to speak to me. I have failed many times in my life and it was due to my fear, but after reading this article, it helps me to keep my focus on GOD and not my past mistakes. GOD bless you.

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