Fear Is a Liar

Fear, he is a liar

He will take your breath

Stop you in your steps

Fear, he is a liar

He will rob your rest

Steal your happiness

Cast your fear in the fire

'Cause fear he is a liar

~"Fear is a Liar" by Zach Williams

Have you ever stopped to think about the kind of impact fear has on your life? No matter how brave, calm, and collected you may be, all of us face fear at some point or another. In a lot of ways, it's just part of being human. Fear can be helpful, keeping us from doing things that could lead to injury or death (hence why having a child or toddler who is "fearless" is not always a great thing!) Sometimes, though, fear can take over in a way that does a great amount of damage if it isn't taken care of. Zach Williams song, "Fear is A Liar" does a terrific job of listing the consequences of letting Fear take over our thoughts, as well as reminding us how to defeat it.

Disclaimer:  I am not a medical or mental health professional, and what I write is not meant to be a substitute for a professional's advice or diagnosis. If you believe your struggle with fear goes beyond the norm and it is taking over your life, know that you are not alone, and please seek the help of a qualified therapist or psychologist to get on the road to healing.

1. Fear is a Liar

Just about everything Fear tells us is rooted in a lie. Think back on the last time you were afraid, and on the things Fear told you, and see if you can pinpoint the lies.

"You yelled at the kids again. You are such a terrible parent. You're going to ruin these kids, you know."

"You shouldn't go to that party. There are going to be so many people! There's no way they will like you. You'll make a fool of yourself."

"You are fighting with your husband so much because you aren't really compatible. You made the wrong choice. You should get out while you can."

"Don't let your son go on that boating trip! What if he gets hurt? You'll never be able to forgive yourself."

And on and on it goes. Fear will often insert a kernel of truth into the lies it tells us, making it hard to even recognize that what we are hearing is untrue at all, and before we know it we are believing things that are completely false and have the capability to do terrible damage.

2. Fear Will Take Your Breath

Fear can literally take your breath away through panic attacks, but I think beyond the physical act of breathing, Fear also takes our breath away metaphorically, diminishing the passion and energy we would otherwise have for life. It "knocks the wind from our sails", so to speak, leaving us drifting aimlessly, too worried and afraid of failure to try to live passionately or purposefully. 

3. Fear Will Stop You In Your Steps

If there is one thing that will stop you from acting on a plan, dream, or calling, it's Fear. Even this very blog took months to come to fruition because of Fear! Each of us has a calling from God, and unique gifts and dreams that He instills in us to enable us to impact the world for Him. It's so easy to let Fear overwhelm us with details ("but how would I even go about doing that?") or doubt ("there's no way I could do that, it's too hard/risky/crazy") that we freeze up and cease moving toward the beautiful plans God has for us.

4. Fear Will Rob Your Rest

The Biblical definition of rest involves more than the physical aspect. True, Fear can rob us of physical sleep, but it also takes away our mental and emotional rest. It steals our emotional peace; leaves our minds racing and unable to process or work through problems; and completely drains and depletes us in every way possible. God offers us rest--even calls us to rest--knowing that it is something we cannot live a full and happy life without, so losing this is another example of the damage Fear can do.

5. Fear Will Steal Your Happiness

Seeing what we've learned about fear's impact on us so far, it's no surprise that we can't have happiness while living in fear. Fear attacks us on a physical, emotional, and even spiritual level, so we can't have true, lasting enjoyment of life while allowing Fear to control us. It stops us from doing what we know is right; keeps us from fully trusting and enjoying others, building meaningful relationships; and turns our very view of life upside down, leaving us hopeless and empty. Fear can completely destroy us if we allow it to, and that's why I believe it is one of Satan's most-often used and most dangerous weapons. 

Obviously, we do not want to allow Fear to gain a foothold in our lives, but as fallen humans we all face seasons where Fear is more persistent and difficult to remove. What is the answer to these times? How do we destroy fear and get free from it's hold? 

The answer might surprise you. It isn't growing in bravery, or trying to ignore our anxieties. In fact, there really isn't anything we ourselves can really actively do to defeat Fear; our role is actually to receive something else in place of Fear. 

 Zach Williams's song contains a beautiful prayer that gives us insight into Fear's downfall:

 "Let Your fire fall and cast out all my fears; Let Your fire fall Your love is all I feel"

"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear..." 1 John 4:8. 

The way we defeat fear is to counteract it with love. We turn to God and ask Him to remind us of His perfect love and to set us free from Fear's terrible lies and destruction. We bathe our minds and hearts in God's Truth so that there is just no more room for Fear. 

When Fear comes around and tries to whisper awful lies, we turn to God and listen for His voice of love and compassion and grace. "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." 1 Peter 2:9

When Fear takes our breath and tries to rip the passion and zeal from our hearts, we ask God to remind us of His plans for us and of how He has equipped us for what He has called us to. “God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work." 2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV

When Fear causes us to freeze up, unsure of how to proceed in a situation or season, we seek God and ask for His direction. "When I am overwhelmed, You alone know the way I should turn." Psalm 142:3a NLT

When Fear robs our rest, leaving us depleted and desperate, we call out to God and ask Him to refresh us and give us the rest we need. "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." (Matthew 11:28-29)

When Fear steals even our happiness and leaves us reeling in the throes of depression and grief, we cry out to our loving Heavenly Father, who keeps track of every tear we've ever shed (Psalm 56:8) and ask Him to restore us. "When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy." Psalm 94:19 NIV

Fear can be a formidable foe, and it can do a lot of damage if we allow it to run rampant in our lives. It can and will be cast down and defeated though, if we turn to our compassionate Maker and allow Him to replace our fear with His perfect love. So next time Fear comes around, cast it down and seek God so that His love is all you feel.