Have you ever heard anyone say that someone’s anxiety, fear and worry are just in their head? In reality these are more than just mere thoughts, feelings, and imaginations gone wild. Anxiety, fear and worry are spiritual weapons used by the devil to destroy us. And they do start in the mind, as the enemy whispers fearful lies into people’s spiritual ears. This is why it is of utmost importance that we pay attention to what we are thinking about. What is feeding our thoughts? The Spirit of the Lord warns us  in 2 Corinthians 10:3-6 through Paul, “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.” We are to take every thought into captivity, we are to think about what we are thinking about. Be on the alert for doubt-filled thoughts that go against God and His Word.

2 Timothy 1:7 reveals to us what fear really is. “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.“ God’s Word tells us that fear is a  supernatural being, it is a spirit, an evil spirit.

And He has given us authority over such beings and their supernatural activities, “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.“, Luke 10:19.

And 1 John 4:18 reminds us of the supernatural power of perfect love over fear, “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.“

But as stated earlier, we have to take every thought into captivity. We need to exercise Christ’s authority in us over our thoughts of fear. In order to do so we need to accept the advice from Philippians 4:8-9, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.” We are to capture fearful, negative, ugly thoughts and bind them up with the Word of God. Renew our minds with God’s promises, “And do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of the mind, for you to prove what is the good and well-pleasing and perfect will of God.“, Romans 12:2.

Free yourself from worry about your daily needs. God is both able and willing to fulfill these needs for you,  Matthew 6:25-34 reads as follows, ““That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?

 “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.“

With the redemptive power of the Lord overcome the fear of death. Hebrews 2:14-15 explains why we can be free from this fear, “Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” And in Psalm 23:4 we are comforted by these well-known words, “Yea, 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.“

God’s Word has this to say about the fear of evil people in these last days in Matthew 10:28, “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” We need to keep this is the forefront of our minds during these uncertain times that our Lord Jesus Christ is greater than our enemy, satan. And in 1 Peter 3:13-14, “And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good?  But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” Psalm 118:6 promises us that, “The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” Deuteronomy 31:6 encourages us with these famous words, “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.”

And here are more Scriptures to meditate upon to overcome anxiety, fear, and worry.

•  For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” Romans 8:15.
• Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. Hebrews 13:5-6.
• Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ Isaiah 41:10.
• For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’ Isaiah 41:13.
• Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27.
• Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9.
• Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. Psalm 56:3.
  
• Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 5:6-7.
• In the multitude of my anxieties within me, your comforts delight my soul. Psalm 94:19.
• Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken. Psalm 55:22.
• Say to those who are fearful-hearted, “Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, With the recompense of God; He will come and save you.” Isaiah 35:4.
• The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe. Proverbs 29:25.
• When you lie down, you will not be afraid; Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet. Proverbs 3:24.
• The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them. Psalm 34:7.
• I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4.
• As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not be afraid; only believe.” Mark 5:36.

Becky Dvorak is a prophetic healing evangelist and the Destiny Image author of DARE to Believe, Greater Than Magic and The Healing Creed. Visit her at authorbeckydvorak.com.