Fear: A Controlling Emotion
Fear, a potent emotion, has the power to hold us hostage, hinder our progress, and instigate spiritual, emotional, and physical paralysis. It keeps us in a perpetual holding pattern, obstructing growth and maturity and preventing us from learning from our failures. While fear is a natural reaction to perceived threats, it can make us feel out of control, triggering our fight-or-flight responses and robbing us of our peace. For those of us with ADHD, where emotions are heightened, fear can become an even more formidable force, dictating our actions, words, and even our choices in life.
Recognizing Fear’s Grip
In my journey with ADHD, I discovered that fear was the silent puppeteer pulling the strings of my life. It dictated my movements, decisions, and aspirations, creating a bondage that kept me from progressing. The Bible reminds us in 2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT) that fear is not from God, but rather, it is a tool of the adversary seeking to steal our joy, kill our dreams, and destroy our lives (John 10:10a, NLT).
Breaking Free from Fear’s Hold
So, how do we break free from the chains of fear? Here are practical and biblical steps to guide you toward freedom:
- Pray for Peace:
Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT): “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then, you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”
- Prayer serves as a direct line of communication with the Father. By surrendering our fears and anxieties in prayer, we acknowledge our dependence on Him. This act of entrusting our concerns to the Father can bring about a profound sense of peace that surpasses human understanding, providing a foundation to confront and overcome fear.
Psalms 34:4 (NLT): “I prayed to the LORD, and He answered me. He freed me from all my fears.”
- Personal testimony in prayer demonstrates the transformative power of seeking divine intervention. The Father not only hears our prayers but actively responds, providing the strength and courage needed to break free from the chains of fear.
- Experience God’s Love:
1 John 4:18 (NLT): “Such love has no fear because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced His perfect love.”
- Recognizing and internalizing the Father’s unconditional love is pivotal in overcoming fear. The depth of Father’s love dispels the roots of fear, as it is incompatible with the assurance and security found in Father’s love. The more we immerse ourselves in the Father’s love, the less room there is for fear to persist.
- Trust in God:
Psalms 56:3 (NLT): “But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in You.”
- Trusting in the Father involves relinquishing control and relying on His guidance. By placing our trust in the Almighty, we acknowledge His sovereignty over our lives, fostering a sense of security that counters fear. Trust is an answer to fear, paving the way for a journey of freedom.
- Know that God is With You:
Isaiah 41:10 (NLT): “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with My victorious right hand.”
- The awareness of the Father’s constant presence provides a source of strength and comfort. Understanding that we are not alone in our struggles empowers us to face fear head-on. The Father’s promise to be with us reinforces the idea that, with His support, we can overcome any fear that threatens to hold us captive.
- Be Strong and Courageous:
Joshua 1:9 (NLT): “This is My command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
- Strength and courage are not based on our abilities alone but on the assurance of the Father’s presence in our lives. Embracing this command involves stepping out in faith and facing fears with the confidence that God is by our side. As we act in strength and courage, fear loses its grip, paving the way for a life of freedom.
- Focus on Today:
Matthew 6:34 (NLT): “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”
- Directing our focus to the present moment helps prevent the overwhelming burden of future uncertainties. By taking each day as it comes and entrusting the future to the Father, we alleviate the anxieties that fuel fear. This practice encourages mindfulness and allows us to confront challenges one step at a time, reducing the power fear has over our lives.
Breaking free from fear involves a deliberate and spiritual journey. By incorporating these simple yet profound steps into our lives, we can reclaim control from fear’s grasp and move towards a life of power, love, and self-discipline as intended by our Creator.
Let’s Chat!
- How has fear impacted your life, especially if you have ADHD?
- In what ways have you found comfort and strength in God’s love during fearful moments?
- Share your experiences with breaking free from fear – what worked for you?
Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Join the community, and let’s continue the conversation. Let’s build a safe and strong community of support!