Taking Fear Captive

Do you ever find yourself struggling, out of the blue, with anxiety, or jealousy, or insecurity? I know I do, and I’m going to share a few tips about how to work through it and find freedom from those debilitating thought patterns. 

Just the other day, I was sitting with the Lord, doing things that I usually do in the mornings, when I got hit with a wave of fear, anxiety, jealousy, and insecurity. Now I know that some of you are thinking, “Matt, that happens to you?”  Of course, it happens to me because it happens to all of us.  But instead of letting these moments ruin my day, I begin to focus upon three truths I’ve learned over the years about this very human condition.

This Is Normal
You know, it is kind of a funny thing that I’ve learned over the years. As I felt this wave trying to overtake me, one part of me laughed as I thought, “Yeah!  Here this comes again,”  will at the same time, I couldn’t help but wonder, “This Again?  Really?  I mean, am I still dealing with that kind of stuff in my life?” 

But then, I took a deep breath and settled into the truth that emotions and the emotional roller coaster are part of the human condition.  Even though we all want to hide it, we all still have a flesh nature that is alive and well. And it’s that part of us that the enemy is always trying to take advantage of.  That brings me to the second truth I want to share.

This Does Not Define Me
An emotionally trying day is not what defines you as an artist in God’s Kingdom. Being aware of your propensity to have, give into, and meditate upon thoughts like that, helps you realize when you’re having a momentary “flesh flash” or when it’s a symptom of a deeper issue that needs to be dealt with.

Look at it as an emotional hiccup,  a reminder of our genuine need to renew our mind, and to connect the reality of God’s love for us in the person of Jesus.  Any time the enemy hits you with overwhelming thoughts of fear, anxiety, jealousy, and insecurity, you have to realize that is an opportunity to take that thought captive and to say, “Now, is this true?  Or is it not?” Then once you realize you’re dealing with yet another lie from the enemy you have the opportunity to embrace this third bit of wisdom.

Embrace God’s Truth
Once you realize that your current state of mind is being driven by a thought or idea that doesn’t line up with the Word of God, that’s when the real growth and transformation can begin. I know this may sound too simple, but it really works.

In moments like this, learn to throw yourself into the arms of Jesus. Embrace the truth that He is your hope and strength when you don’t have any strength. If the enemy is hitting you with fear about money or provision, then embrace the truth that He is your Provider. When you feel like you’ve lost your way, embrace the Lord as your Vision Giver.

If you’re feeling attacked or taken advantage of, always know that He is your Protector. If jealousy or the lie that you are somehow not enough is rearing its ugly head, then find peace in the fact that He is your Identity Giver.  Find peace in the timeless truth that in Him, your place is absolutely secure.

Now you might wonder, “Why?”   Because His love for us never changes!  His Gifts to us are without repentance. The Holy Spirit and the Kingdom of God are living and active inside of us all the time!  That’s the reality, that’s the truth, not those tangled webs of emotions lies, and fears the enemy slaps you with from time to time.

The Divine Exchange
So, if you can relate to what I’ve just shared, then I want to encourage you to intentionally make an exchange. Choose to trade-in those dominating thoughts, feelings, and fears for the truth of God’s promises to you. Then rehearse and reinforce those truths over and over and over again. You begin to embrace this practice as a lifestyle, then the things that have taken you captive – you will end up taking captive, giving them to the Lord in exchange for the newness and the freshness of His promises toward you.

I hope this has been a big encouragement to you. If this article has been a blessing to you, take a moment to share it with a friend, share it on social media, and comment below!

Thanks for reading