3 Steps to Breaking Free From Fear
Breaking Free from Fear: 3 Steps to Living a Fearless Life
Fear can be a powerful adversary. We’re not talking about that instinctual, life-saving reaction that surges when real danger is present, like a wild animal charging toward you. No, the fear we’re tackling here is the kind that seeps into our daily lives—the fear that becomes a constant companion, holding us back and keeping us from embracing life fully.
Fear: The Real Enemy
Fear has been aptly described as “sand in the machinery of life.” It doesn’t propel you forward; it holds you back. It doesn’t open doors; it keeps you in the hallway, immobilized. This kind of fear isn’t a useful survival tool—it’s a barrier that keeps you from putting your best foot forward and makes you feel as though both feet are set in cement.
While modern psychology often suggests we should “learn to live with our fears” or even “embrace our fears,” there’s another perspective worth considering. If fear was meant to be a permanent part of our lives, why would ancient wisdom, like the Bible, speak of being delivered from it entirely? True freedom from fear is possible, and it begins with understanding its hold on us and how we can break free.
The Hidden Faces of Fear
One of the most common and subtle ways fear manifests is through the worry of what others think. This fear creeps into our lives in many ways:
- Joining clubs or organizations out of worry that saying “no” might lead others to judge us negatively.
- Speaking or acting a certain way because we’re afraid we might slip up in front of certain people.
- Buying things to keep up appearances, fearing that if we don’t, others might view us as “less than.”
But here’s the truth: you don’t have to live with these fears. They are a weight you’re not meant to carry, and there is a path to freedom. Here are three key steps to breaking the chains of fear:
1. Understand God’s Unconditional Love
The first step to overcoming fear is to understand that you are loved unconditionally. Divine love is unchanging and constant. Nothing—absolutely nothing—can separate you from it. This foundational truth gives you confidence and security. Knowing you are loved, regardless of what others think, makes the fear of judgment begin to melt away.
2. Ask for Help in Releasing Your Fears
The second step is to ask for help. Ask God to release you from fear, to deliver you from its grip. Imagine a life where you no longer feel held back by these invisible chains. Fear doesn’t have to be part of your story. With faith and persistence, you can live in a new reality—one free from the burdens of fear.
3. Make Decisions Based on Your Own Values
Finally, make decisions based on what is best for you, not on how others might perceive them. You’ll never be able to please everyone, and attempting to do so only leads to disappointment. Instead, when making a decision, ask yourself, “Why am I choosing this? Am I doing it because I truly want it, or am I afraid of what others might think if I don’t?” Let your choices reflect your own values and goals rather than the fear of disapproval.
Embrace a Life Without Fear
A life without fear is within reach. It begins with understanding the enemy, knowing you are unconditionally loved, seeking divine help, and making authentic decisions. With these steps, you can break free from the weight of fear and live a life that is full, courageous, and uniquely yours.