Friday Fight 219: FEAR - False Evidence Appearing Real

Every Friday, when I wake and pray, God places something on my heart to help fight darkness beginning in our minds. Today is FF219.

What comes to mind when we imagine our fears? Perhaps we envision something horrible we’ve experienced or a flashback to a disturbing episode of Criminal Minds. Our fears are spoken out loud by many of us without even realizing it. Fear can creep in slowly or rush in like a whirlwind, fueled by past mistakes or looming troubles we can’t control. It can scream in the night or slip in quietly as we go throughout our day. Regardless of its form or frequency, ask yourself: What fear has been speaking the loudest in your life recently — and what can we do to stop it?

FEAR: False Evidence Appearing Real

Imagine a large body of water during a storm, an approaching hurricane, a tornado, or even hail. In the moments or hours it is happening, it consumes our focus. Many unpredictable factors can influence our thoughts in different directions. Well, fear operates just like a pending storm, then comes in pounding down unexpectedly, attempting to compromise us from all angles. It convinces us that we’re not safe, prepared, qualified, or capable.

Let’s begin with a powerful reminder: God is the Author of Truth, the Creator of peace, and the only One with authority to calm the storms in our lives. If fear crashes in like a raging typhoon, why do we lock our doors but leave our windows wide open?

Fear is a normal human emotion, real and meaningful, and it’s important to acknowledge it. But once we recognize it, our faith in God can keep us from accepting it as truth. Our recognition and decision to give it to God is how we begin to control it.

You may have heard the acronym FEAR: False Evidence Appearing Real. It’s a reminder that fear often disguises itself as truth, making it appear real. Even a half-truth can be twisted just enough to feel real and believable. But once we move from acknowledging fear to accepting it, the control begins. Satan has an artificial agenda, not loud lies, but subtle distortions that slowly chip away at our trust in God.

Psalm 56:3 says, “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” In this verse, David doesn’t deny his fear, but he doesn’t allow it to control him either. When we allow God to direct the storms in our lives, we don’t have to fixate on the booming thunder around us. Trust reminds us quietly and faithfully that God is present, working, and in control of every gust of wind that comes our way.

When storms develop, and familiar lies start to sound convincing again, replace them with God’s Truth. His Word restores trust and contradicts the twisted lies that try to convince us we are alone and will inevitably endure old pain once again. Don’t let the darkness exploit your vulnerability. Endure, Overcome, and Rest in the refuge of God. So, take one specific fear — the one shouting loudest — and respond not with panic but with faith.

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In His Grace,

Pastor Shannon

River Church