Positive Thinking Tips: How to Fight Your Fears

By Norman Vincent Peale, New York, New York

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There are two kinds of fear: normal and abnormal. Normal fear is necessary for our protection. But abnormal fear is something altogether different. It’s a crippling affliction that produces painful symptoms, such as depression, anxiety and, in some cases, physical illness.

The only fear we should have is the fear of God and doing wrong. That fear doesn’t mean being scared; rather, it’s an awe-filled respect of God and of what is right. We should walk unafraid. But that’s not easy; we have to consciously build up our faith.

1. Practice Affirmation
You may know some people who have become absolutely fearless. These are people of profound faith. "That is what I would like to be," you may say. "I’m tired of being afraid of possible catastrophes, of other people, of illness. I want to be free from fear."

The first thing you must realize is that most of the things we’re afraid of probably will never happen. One absolute and positive way to let go of your fears is to practice the form of prayer known as affirmation—not the prayer that asks for something, but the prayer that affirms. Instead of praying, "O Lord, please deliver me from fear. I’m so upset and anxious." Rather, affirm that God is already doing it, and you will let go of fear.

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Believe that God loves and watches over you that He is taking care of you this very moment and, therefore, you need not be afraid.

One of the elders of Marble Collegiate Church, where Rev. Norman Vincent Peale served as pastor for over 50 years, related an experience he had in the hospital. At one point, he was gripped by fear. "But," he said, "I knew that many people were praying for me. So I began to affirm that these prayers were taking effect and that the Lord was hearing my own prayers. As I did this, all of a sudden every vestige of fear seemed to leave me. I was at peace and rest, and felt absolutely confident."

2. Stand Up to Fear
Fear can't really be avoided; it has to be met head on. If you're not willing to go to the heart of what you’re afraid of, fear will haunt you constantly. President Theodore Roosevelt once said, "I have often been afraid, but I wouldn't give in to it. I made myself act as though I was not afraid, and gradually my fear disappeared."

One example of where fear might present itself is when you’re trying something new. When a child enters a new school, or when a man or woman starts a new job, they are bound to be at least a little fearful. But, if they act with confidence and faith, fear will vanish and be replaced with a glowing sense of accomplishment.