When Fear Overwhelms

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Does fear ever get a hold of you so hard that you just can’t function?  When this happens, do you ever feel stuck, not knowing what to do, how to get out of it, or how to throw it off? 

Well, believe it or not, I struggled with that for many years until the Lord gave me a solution. In this episode of 5-Minute Mentoring, and in my blog, I’ll be sharing how to get freedom from fear so that you can begin to walk in the fullness of God’s strength and clarity.  

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I was recently reflecting on my own journey, especially as it relates to fear. For many years, fear was a significant motivating factor in my life. Fear of…

  • what others would think about me
  • what God thinks about me
  • not being good enough
  • being found to be less than 
  • being taken advantage of 
  • missing something
  • some bad situation happening out of the blue
  • everything that I built being torn to pieces
  • “them” finding out who the “real me” was

You get the picture. My life was being ruled by all of this misplaced fear-based anxiety. I was living my life based on the lies of the enemy and not the Truth of God. We have all dealt with this at some point, some of us more than others. You know those times when fear takes hold, and you start feeling absolutely overwhelmed, even to the point of a panic attack, just not knowing what to do.  

One of the things I learned many years ago is THE KEY that God gave us in His Word that unlocks transformation in our lives.  Romans 12:2 says, “Don’t be conformed to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” I learned that if I want to experience life differently, I have to learn to think differently.

I’m a firm believer in this concept of renewing my mind. I’ve been practicing it for years, intentionally cultivating God’s Truth in my heart for years. And despite all that, there are still sometimes things just come out of the blue.  When I’m tired, mad, sad, hungry, upset, or frustrated, that’s when the enemy will come in like a flood to try to shut me down and overwhelm me.

It happened to me just the other day.  I was having a pity party. I was really starting to get anxious about situations that are really unlikely ever to happen, the “What Ifs” of life. And as this went on for a bit, the enemy began to blow these stories up to IMAX size in my head.  I was just getting bombarded with those fears of What If…

  • What if this happens?  
  • What if that happens?

And as the fear continued to grow, it began to morph. If it did happen, does that mean that…

  • God not big enough to walk me out of this situation?
  • God not faithful to be there with you in the middle of it?  

As these things raced through my mind, I leaned into the truths I’d been cultivating in my heart for years. Pulling from my daily practice of renewing my mind, I realized I needed to turn to the Lord and not even try to be strong. I just needed to fall into His lap and say, “JESUS, I NEED YOUR HELP!”  

Now while this may seem an over simplistic solution, this simple act of trust broke something free in my life. Suddenly, instead of being in agreement with the fear, I began to agree with God’s truth…

  • God IS my provider!
  • God IS my truth giver!
  • God IS my source!
  • God IS my protector!

As I did that, a beautiful thing happened.  The Lord immediately went WHOOSH.  It was like all of the fear, anxiety, and worry that was swirling around in my head just went, POOF, gone!  It was like clouds starting to drift apart, and that’s when the Lord dropped this Scripture into my heart.

“When you sit enthroned under the shadow of Shaddai.  You are hidden in the strength of God most high.  He is the hope that holds me in the stronghold to shelter me.  The only God for me and my great confidence.  He will rescue you from every hidden trap of the enemy.  He will protect you from false accusations in any deadly curse.  His massive arms are wrapped around you protecting you.” Psalm 91 – The Passion Translation

And as I sat there, I realized that God had done it again. In my time of need, as I reached out to Him, He came in to dispel the enemy’s lies with the exact truth that I needed at that moment. My fear was getting caught in a “hidden trap,” something I didn’t see coming that would destroy the things I hold dear. 

That was my fear, the source of the anxiety that was creeping up that day, and Psalm 91 was the exact passage the Lord gave me.  I believe that the only time God is limited in our lives is when we are unwilling to invite Him into the situation.  If you and I sit there and struggle in our life by ourselves, the Lord is standing there waiting to bring a solution, waiting to bring breakthrough, but He is waiting for you to extend the invitation.  He is waiting for you to fling open the door.  He is waiting on you to run into His arms

So my friend, listen!  If fear is one thing that tries to come on you regularly, follow my example. When you find yourself in the middle of the fear, just fling yourself on Jesus!  Turn up the worship music,  lean into His arms, and say, “Father, I need You right now to come and break the power of the enemy.” I promise you. He will be faithful to show up and bring deliverance on your behalf and give you the tools you need to begin to renew your mind and walk in strength that is already yours in the Kingdom of God.

I hope this helps as you continue to create with Him. If so, take a moment to share it with a friend, share it on social media, and comment below!

Thanks for reading!


10 responses to “When Fear Overwhelms”

  1. Irene Avatar
    Irene

    So needed to hear this message today! Thanks Matt and P.T.L for you. Many blessings to you and your family. Greetings from a Dutch ex-Beijing expat recently relocated to Spain.

  2. Emilie Avatar
    Emilie

    Thanks so much for Ps 91 as my fears dissipate quickly as I reach for His arms. I refuse to fall into those traps of being anxious over Nothing. No what it’s here. Praising Him all day. Blessings to you this Christmas season, Matt.

  3. Katy Avatar
    Katy

    You continue to be a blessing in my life Matt! My biggest problem (besides not knowing what type of artist God wants me to be yet!?) is that I don’t “deserve “ to get into the studio until all my “work” is done. (And I’m a stay at home mom so my work is never done!! ?) Your words are always a huge inspiration to me. Thank you for listening to God and spreading your wisdom and talents!

    1. Rachel Stuart Avatar
      Rachel Stuart

      I am in the same position, my counsellor said to me I need to timetable different aspects of my life in hour/2hr blocks Inc house, kids, me time, work, (art could fit either of these)and relaxation/fun. We need a balance life not all giving to others. From a disabled single mum who just started art college!

  4. Monica Avatar
    Monica

    Thank you for this reminder!

  5. Meredith Lamson Rancourt Avatar
    Meredith Lamson Rancourt

    I also needed this today. I can’t tell you how many times people try this on me thinking it will end what I am doing. It’s frustrating but I also know He sends someone in to encourage me. I am always praying the enemy out but he doubles his efforts. Thanks for the reminder to pray right away to dissipate the attack.

  6. Meredith Lamson Rancourt Avatar
    Meredith Lamson Rancourt

    I also think it’s a good reminder. I am always praying but need to pray right away when the enemy attacks. I hope you won’t get two posts. I am copying in case.

  7. Glenis Thomas Avatar
    Glenis Thomas

    Thanks so much Matt, one of my fave Psalms, so good. Bless you

  8. shirley galbrecht Avatar
    shirley galbrecht

    Thank you so much Matt for your podcast, When Fear Overwhelms. It was exactly what I needed to hear today as a Christian artist. Psalm 91:1-4 is beautiful. I especially liked the teaching that the Lord is waiting to be invited into your situation to bring solution and to bring breakthrough.

  9. Paul F Davis Avatar
    Paul F Davis

    Thank you for discussing this important topic as more than ever people are struggling with mental health issues, money problems, insecurity, anxiety, various fears, troubled relationship and some sadly are becoming prescription drug addicts as they try to numb and escape the emotional pain within. Meanwhile the unhealthy side effects of drug use are causing many premature deaths. We need the supernatural power of God Almighty more than ever to set the captives free, heal the hurting within and bring total transformation in people’s lives. The supernatural power of God with prophetic insight to heal and empower humanity is readily available as I’ve experienced around the world. Let’s join hearts in prayer to believe God to touch, save, change and transform our generation and lift us up to where we belong in Him. ~ Paul F. Davis from https://DreamMakerMinistries.com/

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Author

Matt Tommey is an artist, author and mentor who is passionate about empowering artists to thrive spiritually, artistically and in business.