Fear.

It’s there, whispering to you in the dark. Telling you you’re wasting your time, that you’ll never make it, that no one cares what you have to say. It eats at you when you try to write, telling you those words you just crafted are garbage. It crawls up your spine when you finally work up the courage to send out a proposal for review, telling you the only response you’ll get is rejection. Or ridicule. But you know what?

Fear is a liar. A deceiver. And one of the most effective weapons the enemy uses to undermine writers as they seek to accomplish the task God has given them. So let’s deal with fear’s lies the way Jesus did—with God’s truths. Let’s study, maybe even memorize so we can use them to ignore fear. To turn from it and remind our quaking hearts that with God, fear has no power. Here are some of God’s Truths for:

Writers’ Obstacle #3: Fear

Leviticus 26:6—And I will grant peace in the land, and you shall lie down, and no one shall make you afraid.

Deuteronomy 7:9–Understand, therefore, that the Lord your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps his covenant for a thousand generations and lavishes his unfailing love on those who love him and obey his commands.

Isaiah 41:10–Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Joshua 1:9–Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

Isaiah 43:1-3–But now, this is what the Lord says—he who created you…he who formed you…“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.”

1 Peter 5:6-11–So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith…In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. All power to him forever! Amen.

My friends, that roaring lion loves to slip up next to you and let loose one of those terrifying roars right in your ear, so you feel it down into your bones. But your God is there. Let Him free you from the bonds of fear, so you can walk in peace and confidence. He’s got this, friends. And He’s got you.