Cowardice is a side effect of fear. A coward is one who lacks courage and is afraid to meet danger, real or imaginary. The expression of “cold feet” is usually related to fear of new experiences. Normally, this kind of panic only lasts for a few moments. Probably every person who has walked down the aisle to get married, signed a contract for a huge financial commitment, or stood to speak or perform in front of a large audience has experienced “cold feet.”
Fear can become so intense that it produces all kinds of abnormal phobias. Most phobias can be traced back to a specific traumatic experience. For example, acrophobia, the fear of heights may have originated with an injury from falling. Claustrophobia, the fear of being confined can result from being incarcerated or restrained involuntarily. Deliverance involves inner healing of the memory and a deliberate change in the thought processes. Refuse to be intimidated by fear. When you conquer fear, you conquer cowardice.
II Timothy 1:7
“For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
Practical Application and Assignments:
Fear that is not conquered ends up in panic attacks which cause the heart to race, incessant sweating, dizziness…you know the feeling. You have a split second before hyperventilating to make a decision to respond rationally or react with fear. It requires an overt, conscious effort because you have to override your subconscious, automatic reflexes.
- Discern the difference between fear that is a God-given instinct to protect you in the presence of danger, and a spirit of fear that is a negative influence that drives you into irrational behavior.
- Take a deep breath. Count slowly to ten, continuing to take deep breaths. A phobia is a feeling that is not based on facts. Begin thinking rational thoughts and the panic attack will disappear.
“I sought the Lord, and He heard me and delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4
