Isaiah 41:10: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God."

How many times have we, Christians, let our eyes pass over this verse without truly allowing the full effect of its meaning to be a constant theme of our lives?

As a teenager, I lived a life of constant fear: fear of failure, fear of inadequacy, fear of letting others down, fear of disapproval, fear of being different, fear of being fearful itself, amongst others.

It took me almost 20 years to realize the common theme with all of those fears: fear only has control over you when your security is not based in God. Fear comes from placing your assurance in the people and the things of this world. Fear is a tool the devil uses to attempt to pull you away from God's side.

Fear is crippling and restricting. Fear enslaves you and tells you what you can and cannot do. Jesus came "so that you may have life, and have it abundantly," according to John 10:10. A life limited by fear is not an abundant life.

The key to living a life unabashed by fear is to realize that we gain nothing from the validation of others. Hebrews 13:6 showcases this well saying, "So we say with confidence, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"

The Lord is the only one whose approval or disapproval holds any significance for us. Man's validation brings us no real, lasting reward, and man's disappointment brings us no real, lasting punishment. Man can't do anything to you or for you, but God can.

It is a natural human trait to have fear and to value the opinions of others; God accepts you for that. The problem doesn't lie in the fear itself, but when you allow any fear to take away the freedom that Jesus died to give you. 1st John beautifully shows the freedom that lies in Christ: "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear..."

If you live a life in love, it is therefore not possible to live a life in fear. If you believe you live a life according to Christ's love, but you still fear, then you need to reevaluate what a life in perfect love really is. If you fear, you unconsciously doubt the power of God. It has taken me far too long to understand this, but now that I have, I am free. I will no longer allow fear to have a grip over me.

Next time you feel fear pressing in on you, remember Deuteronomy 31:6: "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Inhale courage, exhale fear.