Building a Fear Escape Plan

Despite statistics that say we live during the safest time in history, fear lurks on every street corner. The 24/7 bombardment of bad news and social media doomsayers creates a deadly environment. Fear infects our minds and takes control of our bodies. The contagion quickly spreads to others.

God included the ability to fear in our design as a defense for the times we find ourselves in life-threatening situations. But living in a constant state of fear literally kills us. It leads to high blood pressure, adrenal failure, hormonal imbalances, and a lower quality of life. When fear sets up camp in your life, you have an enemy invader to conquer.

Do you remember fire drills from elementary school? Let’s modify that idea to protect against fear. In a fire escape plan, you:

1. Map out exits
2. Learn practical dos (crawl low) and don’ts (hide)
3. Identify a safe meeting place away from danger
4. Practice your plan

Your fear escape plan is similar:

Exit Fear and Enter God’s Love

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love (1 John 4:18 NKJV).

Faith rejects fear because it sees everything in life as filtered by the love of God. That doesn’t mean there aren’t scary things, and it doesn’t mean you won’t feel fear. It means you won’t accept fear as your leader. You choose to follow God’s instructions and stomp out fear. Remembering God’s love opens the door to His power and presence and gives you the courage to take the next step.

Let God Fight for You, and Don’t Run!

You shall not fear them, for it is the Lord your God who fights for you (Deuteronomy 3:22).

Don’t run from your fears; turn and face them knowing God will fight for you! Identify your fear, give it a name, and expose it to the light of truth from the Word of God. It’s often said, “Don’t look at how big your problem is. Look at how big your God is!” When you face your fear, you get to watch God work on your behalf. Nothing is too big for Him. Your faith will grow as He eliminates every fear you face.

See Your Small Steps as a Safe Place

Who dares despise the day of small things, since the seven eyes of the Lord that range throughout the earth will rejoice when they see the chosen capstone in the hand of Zerubbabel? (Zechariah 4:10).

Once you expose your fear to the light of the Word, it begins to shrink. But don’t retreat – now is the time to advance! Be proactive in eliminating your concern. If money worries you, learn money management wisdom from the Word and set some biblical goals. Taking small steps toward financial security is not a lack of trusting God; it is sound stewardship. Good management of what is in your control keeps fear from finding a foothold.

Practice Rejecting Fear Daily

The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe (Proverbs 29:25).

God spoke the world into being and lovingly prepared a beautiful garden for Adam and Eve. They lived in abundance, enjoying creation and the Creator until they opened the door to danger by doubting God’s goodness. Trusting Jesus is your doorway to safety! Your confidence in the goodness and love of God becomes seeds of hope that powerfully drive away all fear.