Dealing With Fear By Pastor Faith Oyedepo

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Bishop David Oyedepo said, ‘The spirit of fear is the spirit of bondage. Satan cannot gain access to your life unless you give in to the spirit of fear.

STRATEGIES TO OVERCOME FEAR

• Be Kind to Yourself
• Take Care of Your Body and Spirit

TIPS TO STAY SAFE AND FREE FROM FEAR

• Write down all the worries you have about how coronavirus may have interrupted your life.

STRATEGIES TO OVERCOME FEAR

Be Kind to Yourself: Go easy on yourself if you are experiencing more depression or anxiety than usual. Remember you are not alone in your struggles; God is ever there for you. Psalm 46:1 is an encouragement that, God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Maintain Your Routine: Even if you are stuck at home, try to stick to your regular routine like sleep, school, meal, or work schedule. This can help you maintain a sense of normalcy. Try to make a plan to do all the things you are used to doing like gaming, exercise, and many other activities that gives you satisfaction and fulfillment.

Also Read: Laying A Solid Foundation For Your Children by Pastor Faith Oyedepo

Take Time Out for Activities You Enjoy: Read a good book, watch/listen to a sermon or Christian inspiring movies, play a fun board or video game, make something —whether it’s a new recipe, a craft, or a piece of art.

Take A Walk: You can take a walk to receive fresh air or sunlight. Even a walk around your neighbourhood can make you feel better. Just be sure to avoid crowds, keep your distance from people you may encounter, and obey all the restrictions in your area.

Find Ways to Exercise: Staying active will help you release anxiety, relieve stress, and manage your mood. While the gym and group classes are not functioning at the moment, you can still cycle, hike, or walk. Or if you are stuck at home, look online for exercise videos you can follow. There are many exercises you can do even without equipment such as yoga and exercises that use your own body weight.

Be Wise About Who You Speak to Because Emotions Are Contagious: You may have a need for reassurance, advice, or an understanding listening ear during this difficult time. But be careful who you choose to have as a discussion partner. The coronavirus is not the only thing that’s contagious; so are emotions! Avoid talking about the virus with people who tend to be negative or who reinforce and rise up your fears. Turn to the people in your life who are thoughtful, level-headed, and good listeners. Find people you share hope and faith with, you can talk and encourage yourselves.

Help Others: In times like this, it’s easy to be caught up in your own fears and concerns. However, amidst all the stories going on around the world and around you, you can find those who might be struggling. It’s important to understand that we are all in this together. As a quote circulating in Italy reminds us, ‘We are standing far apart now so we can embrace each other later’. Helping others does not only make a difference to your community and even to the wider world at this time —it can also support your own mental health and well-being. Much of the anguish accompanying this pandemic stems from feeling powerless. Doing kind and helpful acts for others can help you regain a sense of control over your life as well as adding meaning and purpose. Even when you are self-isolating or maintaining social distance, there’s still plenty you can do to help others.

Take Care of Your Body and Spirit: This is an extraordinarily trying time and all the ‘tried-and-true’ stress management strategies apply such as, eating healthy meals, getting plenty of sleep, and meditating on the Word of God; seek to build your relationship with God more.

Beyond that, here are some tips for practicing self-care in the face of the unique disruptions caused by the corona virus pandemic.

TIPS TO STAY SAFE AND FREE FROM FEAR

Write down all the worries you have about how corona virus may have interrupted your life.
Make a list of all the possible solutions you can think of. Don’t overwhelm yourself with ‘perfect’ options. Write all the possible solutions that may come to your mind.
Focus on the things you think you can change or the problems you think you have the solution, rather than circumstances beyond your control.

Stay connected to Church services, Bible study and relevant teachings online —even when physically isolated.

Make it a priority to stay in touch with friends and family. If you tend to withdraw when depressed or anxious, think about scheduling a regular phone call, chat, Skype Bible study or prayer to counteract that tendency.

Don’t let corona virus dominate every conversation. It’s important to take breaks from stressful thoughts about the pandemic to simply enjoy each other’s company —to laugh, share stories, and focus on other things going on in your lives.

However, to eliminate fear, you have to accept Jesus as your Lord and personal Saviour. If you have made this decision, you can say this prayer of faith with me:

Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for delivering me from sin, pride, arrogance and self-pity and all the lies of Satan to serve the living God and thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom, in Jesus name! Amen.

Congratulations!
Now you have been empowered with grace to overcome anxieties, worries, and fears; welcome to a life free of fears, in Jesus name! Amen.

Pastor Faith Abiola Oyedepo is the wife of Bishop David Oyedepo, the founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide a.k.a. Winners’ Chapel, and Senior Pastor of Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, Nigeria.