When I was a young adult, I came across as an outgoing and confident person. In reality, I was living in my own personal prison of fear and it kept me bound until I was twenty-eight years old. I am not talking about normal healthy fear that keeps you from stepping out in front of a moving vehicle. I am talking about overwhelming gut twisting anxiety that keeps you from life. I feared hurting others and being hurt. I feared ever finding love or being worthy of it. I feared, if one more horrible thing occurred, I would lose my mind and go insane. So the first monster God had me tackle was fear. I still remember trembling as I stood in our apartment whispering this scripture the first time.
"For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and love, and self-control."2 Timothy 1:7
The Word of God is His sincere promise to those who believe.
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”Isaiah 41:10
“…For he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ So we can confidently say, ’The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?’” Hebrews 13:5b-6 “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4 “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” John 14:27 “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1 “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.” Psalm 46:1-3 “Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.” Psalm 55:22 “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’” Psalm 91:1-2