Many individuals around the world are experiencing greater dread than they have ever experienced in their lives. Crises of all types, as well as a deluge of misinformation, are putting our sanity on an unending roller coaster ride. Our world has never seemed more fearful and less peaceful.
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Fear is a well-known idea in our society. Fear is present and acted upon from the beginning of Scripture and throughout its pages. While fear will always be a part of our life, it is how we respond to it that counts. It's easy to be possessed by a fearful spirit. God has a purpose for your life, and a fearful mindset will prevent you from fulfilling it. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and sound judgment,” Paul writes to Timothy in 2 Timothy 1:7.
Let's look at what the spirit of fear is and the seven symptoms that you're being manipulated by it:
Where does the spirit of fear come from?
The spirit of fear is one of the primary and most important door openers for other demonic spirits. This spirit can take various shapes, but no matter what kind of fear spirit it is, its aims are obvious. Its goal is to keep you from completing God's plan for your life; from living a joyous, spirit-led existence in which you contribute to others out of an abundance of love. It will give you nightmares and keep you awake at night. It will prevent you from leaving your house or healing from previous mental and physical scars. For instance, the dread of discarding something, which could be anything from collections to clothing to rubbish. These folks have been branded “hoarders,” and you can tell when you meet one. And getting rid of their belongings (even rubbish) is akin to amputating a leg for them. It is really traumatic and terrifying for them. This fear is brought on by tragedy, most commonly the death of a loved one, but any experience can bring this spirit of fear upon a person.
What does God say about the spirit of fear?
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear, but of power, love, and self-control,” we may confidently declare, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”
What is the biblical meaning of fear?
The Hebrew term yirah (pronounced yir-ah) is translated as “awe” in the Bible. It is frequently translated as dread, although it can also indicate regard, respect, or worship. But make no mistake: yirah is closely linked to the word ‘trembling.'
When Moses implored God to show him His magnificence, he was overcome with fear (yirah) because he couldn't see it for fear of dying. Moses was unable to see God in person. When Moses descended Mount Sinai, the Israelites were overcome with terror (yirah); they were so disturbed that they vowed with one voice to do whatever the Lord instructed.
The translation of yirah in English has a similar origin. Old Icelandic agi, Swedish aghi, and old Danish augh are examples of early Scandinavian words denoting fright, dread, commotion, discipline, and restriction.
What are the two types of fear?
Irrational fears are those that defy rationality and can differ significantly from person to person. One half of your brain is terrified, while the other half is baffled as to why. Fears such as coulrophobia (fear of clowns) and phasmophobia (fear of mirrors) are examples (fear of ghosts). Escape Games Canada adores missions like The Haunting of Noriko, which play on your irrational anxieties to get a thrill from you. The Haunting of Noriko is a two-story haunted house escape game that capitalizes on people's fear of ghosts. Before Noriko murders you, you must assist her in bringing peace to her vengeful soul. Irrational fears are the easiest and most enjoyable to exploit of the three fundamental categories of dread.
You should be able to detect the three fundamental sorts of terror now that you know what they are when you play your next scary escape game. It can be entertaining and exciting to learn about the many sorts of fear. We understand that this information won't help you right now if you're scared. Still, think about why you were scared when the lights went out, and whether you have any irrational worries that affect your life. Because, let's face it, knowledge is power, knowing about your anxieties should assist you in overcoming them!
Fear Is Physical
Fear is felt in the head, but it also causes a powerful physical reaction in the body. Your amygdala (a little organ in the centre of your brain) gets to work as soon as you recognize fear. It wakes up your neurological system, triggering your body's fear response. Cortisol and adrenaline are stress hormones that are released. Your heart rate and blood pressure rise. You begin to breathe more rapidly. Even your blood flow shifts, with blood flowing away from your heart and into your limbs, making it simpler for you to hurl punches or flee for your life. Your body is gearing up for a fight-or-flight situation.
Fear Can Make You Foggy
Some portions of your brain are firing on all cylinders, while others are shutting down. The cerebral cortex (brain area that controls logic and judgment) becomes activated when the amygdala detects fear.
What is the main cause of fear?
Fear, like so many other basic emotions, triggers physiological responses in our bodies. Fear begins in the brain, and the physical consequences it has on our bodies help us adjust so that we can respond to a dangerous circumstance in the most effective way possible. Our bodies are instinctively preparing us to fight or flee.
The amygdala, a region of the brain, is where fear begins. “A threat input, such as the sight of a predator, stimulates a fear response in the amygdala, which activates areas engaged in preparation for motor processes involved in fight or flight,” according to Smithsonian Magazine. It also activates the sympathetic nervous system and causes the release of stress hormones.”
Because of the fear response's automatic nature, we normally experience it in three stages:
- Freeze: Our evolutionary instinct to keep us hidden from a predator is to freeze. Your initial jump and stop response to triggering stimuli is instinctive, which means you can't stop it if you're truly terrified.
- Run: Our natural reaction is to flee whatever is causing us to be afraid. Adrenaline helps you get away from the trigger quickly.
- Battle: If you can't get away from the source of your fear, you'll have to fight it. Adrenaline can also help you at this point.
Of course, we don't often have to hide from a predator, flee, or fight when we're afraid these days. Even though, the physical reaction we have is the same.
Does the Bible say not to live on fear?
“Be fearless and strong.” Do not be afraid or terrified of them, for the Lord your God is with you. He will not abandon or abandon you.”
Where in the Bible does it say fear not?
This is the seventh grade. The view from the top of the St. Louis Arch. The arch trembled as I leaned over to look down at the city. Because it can flex and flow with the wind, I now consider such mobility to be an indication of a healthy structure. I was terrified at the time. I couldn't take a breath. I was terrified, and I can now blame the Arch for my lifelong dread of heights.
What is it that you are afraid of? What do you fear and where do you fear it? Where do you panic and become paralyzed? What causes you to be unable to move?
God's command to “Fear Not?
Hundreds of times throughout the Bible, God states, “Do not be afraid.” But what exactly does that imply? Was my 7th-grade self committing a sin? Is it wrong to be afraid when you don't know how you'll pay your rent next month, when you get a bad health diagnosis, or when your career is on the line?
No. You are correct. Fear is built into our minds by God. It is a fundamental emotion. As we respond to triggering stimuli, we have a rationale and a purpose for our terror. God is not telling us to turn off a part of our brain when he says, “Do not be afraid.” His ideal citizen isn't a stern, soulless robot.
The actual question God wants us to consider is where we go when we are afraid. What are your options for dealing with your fears? What are your strategies for dealing with them?
Simply put, God desires for us to approach him. Fear has the ability to paralyze us. When we “fear” in God's presence, however, God will help us take the next step of faith despite our fear! Unfortunately, in this wicked and corrupt world, no one will be able to avoid terror. It's true. It has the potential to paralyze you. It has a lot of power.
In the midst of our fears, He has the power and desire to be with us. Remembering this will enable us to take the next step in our lives of faithfulness. How? We are not alone because God is with us. Because of his being with us, we may continue to strive to believe Jesus is more in and through our concerns.
Below are 15 verses that help put our fears into perspective.
Make a note of them. Consider them. Make a list of them. They should be discussed. Sing them out loud. May these verses provide us with perspective and a reminder of God's presence in and through our worries…
So do not be afraid because I am with you; do not be alarmed for I am your God. I will strengthen and assist you; with my righteous right hand, I will uphold you.
Even if I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid because you are with me; your rod and staff are comforting to me.
Whom shall I fear if the Lord is my light and my salvation? Whom shall I fear if not the Lord, who is the stronghold of my life?
God is our refuge and strength, a constant source of assistance in times of need. As a result, we will not be afraid, even if the ground gives way and the mountains tumble into the sea's heart, even though the sea's waters roar and foam and the mountains tremble beneath their weight.
I leave you with peace; I give you my peace. I don't give to you as the rest of the world does. Do not be terrified or allow your hearts be worried.
Be fearless and strong. Do not be scared or terrified because of them; the Lord, your God, is with you and will never abandon you.
Because I am the Lord your God, who takes your right hand in his and says, “Do not be afraid; I will help you.”
As a result, we can confidently state, “I will not be scared since the Lord is my helper. “What can mere mortals do to me?” says the narrator.
(Jesus declares), “Do not be afraid, little flock; your Father has chosen you to inherit the kingdom.”
I put my trust in you when I'm terrified. I trust and am not scared in God, whose word I adore. What can ordinary people do to me?
‘When you came out of Egypt, I made a covenant with you.' And my Spirit is still with you. ‘Do not be afraid.'
The hairs on your head are, in fact, all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are more valuable than a flock of sparrows.