5 Phobias We Don’t Have to Fear because of Life in Christ

A common fear of many is the fear of death. Since no one knows the time, date, or circumstance of their own demise, this fear tends to creep up on us all. This fear can be debilitating, causing us to be too afraid to do many things, like getting on an airplane. Necrophobia is also a reason some become overly concerned when they are sick. Truthfully, they are terrified that every sickness will end in death. Before long, a simple cold or ache can lead to endless google searches that all lead back to one’s impending death.

As a Christian, the fear of death should never consume us. In fact, death as a Christian would be the greatest victory!

“We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 5:8, NKJV)

In other words, the finished work of the cross steals death’s power. Believers can be assured the end of their time on earth will result in being greeted with heaven, where there are no tears and no pain! If we live our lives afraid of death and avoiding circumstances, we will miss out on many opportunities. Although we shouldn’t rush death with foolish choices, we can rest in knowing that God has a place for us in heaven that we simply can’t imagine.

If the worst thing that can happen to us is to die and go to heaven, we shouldn’t be in fear but at peace!

But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9).

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Do you struggle with the idea of speaking to and in front of others? Glossophobia is a phobia that keeps us silent when we need to speak up and is another trick from the enemy. It is believed that 77% of people struggle with this fear. We can mask this fear under the guise of being an introvert or being shy. However, sometimes the fear of speaking in public can result in panic attacks, refusal to complete the task at hand, nausea, and headaches.

This fear of speaking out is typically derived from not wanting to be embarrassed, wrong, or rejected. This phobia can affect your ability to speak for school or work presentations and will certainly keep you isolated over time. This form of social anxiety may require counseling and intentional prayer to overcome and should not be taken lightly.

As a child of God, you need not be afraid when it comes to speaking to others. Remember, they are mere flesh and bones just like you! Although it may be normal to feel slight nervousness when speaking, it shouldn’t be to the point that we cannot function.

The great news is that as Christians we have the Holy Spirit within us. He gives us confidence when we feel unsure. He will even give us the words to say and wisdom on how to share what needs to be shared.

A Christian who is humbly submitted to the voice of God should know that God is with them in every circumstance. When you feel this form of fear overtaking you, remember to pray for peace on what to say and how. Refuse to allow yourself to be silenced by the fear! Make a choice to not be overly concerned about the opinions of others and to know that the Lord is standing alongside you in every situation.

^“Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord.” (Jeremiah 1:8 KJV)

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The fear of failure keeps many of God’s children stuck in the potential phase of their destiny! God has called each of us with a plan and a purpose. Yet, atychiphobia denies us the opportunity to walk it out. Fear of what other people may think, if you will have support, or if you will be disappointed, can keep you from completing God’s will for your life. Instead of starting the business, blog, or ministry, fear of failure will cause us to overanalyze each step and talk ourselves out of taking action steps.

This is another device of the enemy. The devil knows that a stagnant Christian is one who is not a threat. The longer you can remain complacent the better! The truth is that if you make a choice to overcome this fear, many people will be impacted. Not only will you and potentially your finances reap the benefits, so would your children and generations to come. We must say “no” to this fear that robs God’s children of living out the life God has called them to.

The truth be told, failure is not the greatest defeat—refusal to try is.

Instead of fearing failure, see it as an opportunity for growth and learning what to do for next time! Remember, as Christians we should be operating out of His strength and wisdom, not our own. We can trust that if something doesn’t quite work out, He has a plan.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

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There is a real devil! We see this from the Garden of Eden to Revelation. If we choose to ignore the reality and influence of the demonic realm, we are only deceiving ourselves. Paul says it like this

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Ephesians 6:12)

In other words, there is a real demonic influence that we cannot deny that influences many circumstances all around us. Yet, as Christians, we need not live a life in fear of these things. Fearing the devil or being scared to say things out loud as the “devil may hear it” shouldn’t be the life of children of God.

Instead, we must be aware of the authority of the name of Jesus Christ. We have no need to run in fear of the devil. We can remind ourselves that Jesus encountered the devil in the wilderness, He responded to every temptation with the Word of God. We can do the same and stand on the powerful name of Jesus and His Word whenever an attack seems near.

“Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.” (Philippians 2:9-10)

5. Agnostophobia: Fear of the Unknown

Many Christians struggle with a fear of the unknown. We often see this manifest in the attempt to always be in control. Our fear of not knowing what could happen leads us to control all that we can. This fear of the unknown keeps people from taking risks, going certain places, and even trusting God. It also paralyzes with thoughts of “what if’s.” Those who struggle with agnostophobia will find themselves questioning everything and feeling suspicious about things they don’t understand. Similarly, those who fear the unknown will be unlikely to speak to a new person, and place themselves in a new situation. Not knowing the potential outcome is terrifying and causes much anxiety.

As Christians we can rest assured that we have no reason to fear what we cannot see or know! Our God is the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). He knows the end of the situation before the beginning ever happens (Isaiah 57:15). Nothing catches Him by surprise. So although we may be uncertain of what will happen next, He already knows. Those who walk by faith in the Lord can find rest in knowing that the Creator knows all things. We have no reason to fear or trust in our own knowledge! Instead, we can lean on our shepherd who leads us through all things and doesn’t operate in our timing or power. This is the beauty of being led by the Lord.

Overall, we can be free from walking in fear! We can trust that God will protect us and keep us, even when the times feel perilous. 

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4)

References:

Gossophobia or the Fear of Public Speaking

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