In her book, “HEALING YOUR DEPRESSION,” Apostle L’Tanya C. Perry, MDiv. wrote, “To Fear is to feel as though there is danger or something bad will happen and things will not work out well. Joyce Meyer explained in one of her sermons that “Fear is a tool the devil uses against us to make us miserable and destroy our lives. It begins as a thought and then creates emotions that can rule us. It often becomes a strong, intense feeling that tries to move us to make a foolish action or tries to prevent us from doing something that would be good for us. Because it’s such a common way that satan attacks people’s lives…”[1]
How can fear then lead to depression? Mental health publications recognize fear as one of the powerful emotions that has a very strong effect on both the mind and the body.15 Fear prevents you from trying and doing things you ought to do; maintaining that attitude will make you realize no progress, and as a result, depression falls in. “Fear is one of the strongest motivators. It can push us into wrong actions or freeze us into inaction“[2]–Mike Bennett
Sometimes, fear leading to depression takes the form of phobias. A phobia is an irrational fear. It makes a person feel threatened even when they’re safe. Phobias are a form of anxiety disorder wherein a patient will have an irrational and all-encompassing fear of a person, place thing, or a specific situation. Nineteen million people in the U.S. have a phobia, with most phobias starting around the age of seven. [3]
Phobias and even rational fears create a limiting atmosphere for those who accommodate them. Such fears don’t allow you to enjoy life as you ought. They also stir up negative thoughts about your identity and abilities, affecting your self-esteem and self-worth.
There are many ways to deal with fear and phobias. But the most effective way is with the Word of God.2Timothy 1:7 (ERV) says, “The Spirit God gave us does not make us afraid. His Spirit is a source of power and love and self-control.”To overcome fear, you must know that God is against fear of any kind. That’s why He has given you His Spirit to combat fear in your life. By drawing on the Holy Spirit’s power through prayer and spiritual awareness, you can overcome every crippling and binding fear.
Whenever you feel fear, know that you can shake it off. Why? Because as a believer, fear doesn’t have authority over you. Instead, you are under the authority of God’s Spirit. Fortunately, God’s Spirit brings power, love, and self-control. So, you have the strength to defeat any challenger, whether mental or physical. You have God’s love that casts out feelings of unworthiness and abandonment. Also, you have the self-control to combat every irrational feeling of harm. You are fully equipped to overcome fear.
Do you want to learn more about how to overcome depression and live a life full of laughter and fulfillment? Then get this life-transforming book, HEALING YOUR DEPRESSION by Apostle L’Tanya C. Perry, MDiv.
[1] https://joycemeyer.org/everydayanswers/ea-teachings/the-key-to-overcoming-every-fear-you-face
[2] https://lifehopeandtruth.com/life/christian-living/fear-not/