If you could say anything to fear, what would it be?
How about a simple, loud “NO!”
You actually can say anything you choose to fear, because fear only exists in your mind.
The Message translation of James 4 reads:
So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper. Say a quiet yes to God and he’ll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. (emphasis mine)
Say a loud “NO!” to fear and watch it run away like the little punk that it is. Say “YES!” to God and quit dabbling in fear.
All or Nothing
You cannot take a little fear here, but leave it out there. It’s not something you sprinkle in the recipe of life.
Either you completely annihilate fear or it annihilates you.
You must choose to annihilate it every day. You have to do it every day. Because it will come at you every single day.
Picture fear, doubts, negative comments about you, laughter towards you, the critical words of naysayers…picture them being annihilated. Trampled upon and left in your dust. Every single day.
Jon Acuff says to “punch fear in the face.” I am suggesting that you do much more, making a sport out of beating the crap out of it and leaving it behind to die.
Fear and opposition are always one of two things:
- Genuine warnings and good advice.
- Crap.
When you feel like it’s #2, remind yourself of some important truths:
You have never been criticized about your dreams by someone who achieved theirs.
You have never been criticized about your parenting from someone who is a great parent…or even a good one.
You have never been criticized about your finances by a wealthy person.
You have never faced opposition about your work ethic, job choice, or skills by someone you look up to.
Unsolicited and unhelpful criticism always comes from those below you, including Satan himself.
Assignment: Write a note to fear and share it below.
Facing fear = Fierce!
“Dear fear, hows things? How’s the family? the job? Ooohh, thats right, you don’t have any of those things, so don’t freakin try to take what is mine or will be mine!! Sincerely yours, Mark.” 🙂
Love it!
That’s awesome…
We’ve all read that the only type of fear we are “born with” are loud noises and falling. Those are designed to protect our life. Any other kind of fear is a response to environment or other influences. When we are afraid of being: too old, too young, too inadequate, not smart enough, not good enough, not successful enough, we have learned to believe a lie.
I’m working on believing this verse instead “You are precious in my eyes, and honored and I love you” Is 43:3 (and I’ll add) Most Sincerely, God.
Very nice Lily!
I think we are all born with the fear of brussel sprouts though.
I don’t even want to write a note – I want to say face to face – “GO AWAY FEAR and leave me alone!” Done with you. Been practicing that a lot lately actually.
Even better!
Daniel Pink’s new book To Sell is Human has a good section on meaningful self talk.
He says people who sell best have deep discussions with themselves including acknowledging their fears. The key is that the best salespeople don’t get down on themselves, they don’t give in to the fear. And this goes back to his supposition that everyone is a salesperson. You are selling your kids to pick up their rooms, you are selling your team to accept your business idea, your selling your wife on why she doesn’t need any more furniture… well, maybe you didn’t win that one.
Good stuff Matt.
HAHA love the last one Durk.
I’ve heard him talk about that book but haven’t bought it. I think I will now.
Thanks for the suggestion!
Every salesperson, speaker, or anyone has fear before they do something. It’s not a matter of removing fear, but overcoming it.
“So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10