Devotionals

Fear, Anxiety, Panic Attacks, Agoraphobia

by Michael Edwards 
11/17/23
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Recently, I heard a story from a well-known evangelist, Ray Comfort. He was sharing the gospel and preaching on a regular basis, when seemingly out of nowhere he began to experience great fear and panic attacks leading to a crippling case of agoraphobia. This led him to be unable to share the gospel, leave his home or even eat with his family. For over four years he battled this attack. In the end, Ray learned from God the answer was not to ask for the fear to be taken away, but to pray that God would increase his love for God others and especially the lost so he could share the gospel. As I heard his testimony, 1 John 4:18 came to mind.

There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear… 1 John 4:18a

If you have forgotten how critical love is according to God, read 1 Cor 13: 1-13 HERE. Without love all we do is worthless. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Cor 13:13 NIV

No wonder the enemy wants to stoke our fears, he wants our love to grow cold. As wickedness increases, the Bible says it will for most. In the world and in many Christians lives today, it is obvious that love is growing colder because fear is multiplying.

Because of the multiplication of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold. Matt 24:12 BSB

Why does the enemy hate love? Because God is love. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 1 John 4:8 BSB

Just think, out of fear, most Christians will never share their faith and no one in their right mind would run into a burning building. But if a young child was crying for rescue in the fire, love could quickly overcome fear to save the child. His love perfected in us will even overcome our fear of man in sharing the gospel with the lost.

Let’s cast out all fear by focusing on God’s love for us and praying that we will be filled to overflowing with His love for the Lord and others. May we learn to even love our enemies as Christ loves us.  As His love is perfected in us, all fear will be cast out.

Love never fails. 1 Cor 13:8a NIV

Many New Covenant Bible Studies HERE. Jesus poured out His blood for the New Covenant of grace and truth, replacing the Old Covenant law of Moses. Believers are exclusively under the New Covenant, the last will and testament of Jesus that began after the cross. 

And in the same way He took the cup after they had eaten, saying, "This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in My blood.” Luke 22:20