F.E.A.R. - False Evidence Appearing Real

Good morning, church family! Today, I want to talk to you about something that we all face, something that sneaks up on us in the dark, or during a stressful day—fear. But not just any fear. I’m talking about the kind of fear that gets into your head, spins your thoughts around, and makes you believe things that aren’t even true. The kind of fear that is really just

F.E.A.R. - False Evidence Appearing Real.

But here’s the thing—fear doesn’t have to have power over you. In fact, the Bible says "Do not be afraid" 365 times. Now, if you’re like me, you’d wonder, “Why 365 times? Is God just really repetitive? Or did He just lose track?” No. There’s a reason. 365 times. One for each day of the year. So, every single day, God has given us a reminder not to be afraid. That’s how important it is!

Let’s break this down and find out why God is so serious about this and how we, as Christians, can conquer fear.

What is Fear?

Before we dive in, let’s get real for a second. Fear is the mind's way of creating false scenarios. It’s like playing out a bad movie in your head. You think, “What if this happens? What if that goes wrong?” And pretty soon, you’re consumed with worry about something that hasn’t even happened yet.

Fear is like that uninvited guest at a party—popping up when it’s least expected, making itself at home, and trying to control the atmosphere. And before you know it, it’s in charge of the whole room.

But let me tell you something: fear is a liar. The things we fear are rarely as big as we imagine them. What we’re fearing is often False Evidence Appearing Real. It’s the worst-case scenario that never even comes to pass.

Take a moment and think about your life—how many times have you feared something, only to look back and realize, it didn’t happen the way you imagined it at all? You might have thought the world was going to end when that job interview went bad, or when you got that bill you couldn’t pay, or when your kids were late coming home. But guess what? You’re still here. And most of those “what-ifs” never materialized.

Why 365 Times?

So, why does God tell us 365 times in the Bible not to fear? Is He being a little repetitive? No, He's trying to get our attention. God doesn't repeat Himself for fun. He repeats Himself for our benefit.

Imagine you're a parent and you're about to send your kid off to school. You don't just say, “Be safe!” once. You say it over and over: "Be careful. Be safe. Remember what I told you. I love you. Don’t talk to strangers." Why? Because you want to make sure that message sticks. God is doing the same thing. He's repeating Himself because He knows how easily we fall into fear, and He wants to remind us again and again, “Don’t be afraid. I’ve got you.”

And what’s amazing about God’s reminders is that they’re not empty words. They’re words of power. When God says “Don’t be afraid,” He’s not just saying “Good luck with that.” He’s saying, “I AM with you. I will provide. I will protect. You don’t need to worry. I am greater than anything that threatens you.”

Fear: The Enemy’s Favorite Tool

Here’s the thing: fear is a tool the enemy loves to use. Satan uses fear to paralyze us, to keep us from stepping out in faith. Think about it: the enemy can’t take away your salvation, but if he can make you afraid, he can stop you from moving forward in the mission God has for your life.

Fear keeps you stuck. It keeps you from making that bold move you’ve been praying about. It keeps you from sharing the gospel with that friend you know is struggling. Fear is a barrier to the freedom God wants for you.

But here’s the good news: we don’t have to live in fear. The Bible says in 2 Timothy 1:7:"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind."

That’s right. Power, love, and a sound mind—those are God’s gifts to us. And when we start walking in God's power instead of fear, we break free from the chains the enemy tries to put on us.

How to Overcome Fear

Alright, so now that we know fear is a liar, and that God has equipped us with power to overcome it, let’s talk about how we can kick fear to the curb.

1. Recognize it for what it is

The first step to overcoming fear is to call it out for what it is: false evidence appearing real. When fear creeps in, ask yourself: “Is this fear based on facts, or am I imagining a worst-case scenario?” Most of the time, fear is just a thought, not a reality. Don’t let it control your mind.

2. Speak God's truth

When fear strikes, fight back with God’s Word. It’s one of the best weapons we have! Psalm 34:4 says, “I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.” When fear starts to talk, we need to talk back with the truth of God.

Don’t let fear be the loudest voice in your head. Let the Word of God drown it out. Speak life over yourself and your situation. Fear cannot stand against the power of God's promises.

3. Remember God is with you

Fear often makes us feel like we’re all alone in our struggles. But God is always with us. He’s our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). When you feel afraid, remind yourself that God has already promised to be with you every step of the way.

4. Take action

Fear can paralyze us into inaction. But here’s the secret: sometimes, the best way to overcome fear is to take the first step. Move forward in faith. If you’re afraid of something, don’t just sit there waiting for the fear to go away. Do something. Faith without works is dead, and courage is often built in the moment of action.

Conclusion: No Fear, Just Faith

Fear has no place in the heart of a believer. It’s time to take back our peace and trust in God. Remember, the Bible says 365 times, "Do not be afraid." One for every day. Why? Because God is reminding us—fear is a liar, and He is greater than anything we face.

So, let’s live fearlessly. Not because we won’t face challenges, but because we know we don’t face them alone. God is with us, and His perfect love casts out all fear (1 John 4:18).

And remember, when fear knocks, send faith to the door.

Let’s pray:

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the reminder that we don’t have to be afraid. You’ve not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. Help us to recognize fear for what it is—false evidence appearing real. May we stand firm in Your promises and trust that You are with us every day, guiding us through every fear. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Go out today and live boldly, because with God on your side, fear has no place in your life!