These popular song lyrics are often belted from the vocal cords of many a believer who struggles with fear.
The insidious thing about fear is that we know it’s a liar, we know it’s not from the Lord – and yet it is so dang persuasive. We know it’s lying to us, but the lies are so convincing, and feel so real. The lies feel true.
Since fear is a liar, what does it lie to us about?
Fear lies to us about our ability to complete certain things.
Fear lies to us about the goodness of our God.
Fear lies to us about our identity in Christ.
And when fear sets up residence, he always invites his friends over. You might now them as anxiety, depression, doubt, and shame.
Fear is the ringleader of this wicked gang – and they are here to disrupt your day and disturb your faith.
So what’s the antidote? Spending time in the presence of Jesus.
“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love.” 1 John 4;18 (NASB)
Jesus is love. Jesus is peace.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.” 2 Timothy 1:7 (CSB)
This Spirit that Paul is speaking about to Timothy is the Holy Spirit. When we believe in Jesus – we get sealed with the promised Holy Spirit. But it’s up to us to cultivate intimacy with God.
Luke 11:13 Tells us, “if you then being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will you father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?”
So, if you have believed in Jesus and surrendered your life to him, but haven’t had a lot of interaction with the Holy Spirit. I encourage you to pause right now and ask God for an increase in the Holy Spirit. Some call this a baptism in the Spirit. The Holy Spirit increases where He is wanted.
A.W. Tozer said, “You can have as much of God as you want.”
Okay, back to the topic of fear – this post is titled a prayer for boldness, so that’s where we’re headed now.
I said earlier that the antidote to fear is spending time in the presence of Jesus. So what does that look like?
Put simply, it looks like sitting still and adoring Jesus. And not necessarily with music playing. Sometimes music is helpful, but you don’t need it to spend time in the presence of Jesus. Check out more on this in my last post: ‘The Purpose of Prayer.’
A prayer for boldness:
Dear Father, Thank you that you have not given me a spirit of fear. Thank you that you have given me a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind. Thank you that you have provided everything I need for life and godliness. Right now I willfully choose to reject fear. I give it an eviction notice and command it to leave my heart in Jesus’ name. I invite your love to consume me. Please fill every vacant spot where fear used to reside. with your abundant love. Please strengthen me with might in my inner person so that I may understand the magnitude of your love. Please manifest your love to me again and show me a deeper revelation of your amazing love. Father, I plead the blood of Jesus over my mind and ask for courage and boldness to walk in holy obedience. I invite the Holy Spirit to move in my heart and realign me with your purposes for me. I repent for getting off track due to fear. Please show me the way forward and help me to walk it out in boldness. I put my trust and hope in you Lord, for you keep your eyes on those who fear you and depend on your faithful love. I receive your love, boldness, and everything else I need for my life. Thank you for being with me every step of the way. I love you Lord, thank you for loving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Verses: 2 Timothy 1:7; 1 John 4:18; 2 Peter 1:3-4; Ephesians 3: 14-21; Hebrews 12:24; Luke 12:13; Psalm 33:17-22
Sarah Louise 