One of the things that disturbs me most about this Coronavirus pandemic is that people all around us are living in fear. What are they most afraid of? Death. They are literally slaves to fear, as the verse above talks about. What really saddens me is that there are many Christians who are tormented by the same fears that unbelievers are. If you are one of these precious people, I have some good news for you.

As a follower of Christ, you have been delivered from the fear of death once and for all. Scripture says: “Since the children have flesh and blood, [Jesus] too shared in their humanity so that by His death He might break the power of him who holds the power of death – that is, the devil – and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.” (Hebrews 2:14-15 NIV) Even though Jesus has set us free from the fear of death through His own death and resurrection, we can continue to be slaves to that fear by refusing to put our trust in God and His truth. The Bible clearly states that “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV) In Christ, we have the authority to resist and rebuke fear whenever it comes against us. Anytime I begin to feel fearful, I declare: “Fear, I resist you and rebuke you in the name of Jesus Christ! You are not of God, and I’m not having you!” Suddenly, the peace of God washes over me, and I can go about my business calmly and confidently.

Scripture reveals an important key to living without tormenting fear. Isaiah 26:3 (NLT) says: “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, whose thoughts are fixed on You!” Putting our trust in God, and focusing on Him and His promises, will lead to His “perfect peace.” On the other hand, dwelling on all of the bad news that is bombarding us right now will keep us fearful and fretful. Here’s something to think about: Satan will use your fears against you, if you let him. He will play on your fears, and he will use them to manipulate you and paralyze you. And you will never fulfill your God-given destiny, because the devil will continually lead you around by the nose.

The Bible says that we are “slaves to righteousness” and “slaves to God.” (Romans 6:18; 6:22) We are no longer slaves to fear, because we have been adopted into God’s family, and His Spirit dwells in us. We have the privilege of calling God our Father. Today, I urge you not to settle for a life filled with fear. Instead, enter into a life of true peace and freedom through our Lord Jesus Christ!

Prayer: Lord, by Your grace and power, I refuse to live my life as a slave to fear. Give me a trusting heart, and show me how to discipline my thoughts so that I can learn to keep my mind fixed on You. Help me to be quick to resist and rebuke fear whenever it comes against me. Thank You that my faith and confidence in You and Your promises will enable me to live the overcoming life You have called me to – and I will spend eternity with You!