Overseer of God’s Remnant Assembly Akintayo Emmanuel Highlights 4 Ways to Overcome Fear and Experience God’s Light and Love

For many people — if not most people — fear is more than a difficult opponent. It is a dreadful enemy that, if left unchecked, can seem to sever one’s essential connection to God. However, according to Akintayo Emmanuel, the Overseer of God’s Remnant Assembly, this is simply not possible.

“Just like a loving and attentive parent, God never leaves us for a single moment,” comments Akintayo Emmanuel, who also serves as the CEO of Global Leadership and Intercultural Studies Initiatives. “However, fear can make us turn away from God, and make us feel as though we have been cast out of the Kingdom. Mercifully, all we need to do is turn back around and instantly experience God’s love and light, which has always been there and will always be there.”

And so, how can people overcome fear and turn back around to enjoy rather than reject God’s embrace? As with all other momentous and profound questions in life, the answer is clearly offered in the Bible. Here are four inspiring, energizing, and life-changing examples, followed by commentary from Akintayo Emmanuel, who also serves as the CEO of Global Leadership and Intercultural Studies Initiatives:

· Psalm 27:1: “The Lord is my lights and my salvation — whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life — of whom shall I be afraid?”

When life seems to be frightful or terrifying, we must remember that there is nothing whatsoever in the universe more powerful than God. By putting our faith, trust and love in Him, we can overcome anything and everything.

· John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do, I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

According to Akintayo Emmanuel: “When we turn our attention to God, we do not have to wait for a response or hope that He has heard our prayers. We instantly feel a sense of peace that passes all understanding. This experience is not of this world and cannot be diminished or destroyed by anything earthly. It is the power of God flowing through us. It is the courage we need, when we need it most.”

· Proverbs 12:25: “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.”

When we are fearful, we know that an inspiring word from someone who truly cares for us is priceless. However, how often do we go out of our way to lighten the anxieties of those around us who may be experiencing their own terrors, and desperately need a kind word from a loving heart? Indeed, many of us are more apt to attack and insult those around us when we’re feeling frightened, than we are to support and uplift them. This is clearly contrary to God’s instruction. When we help those around us experience joy instead of fear, we carry out His work and, naturally, our burdens will be lifted in the process.

· Luke 12:22–26: “And he said to his disciples, `Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest?’”

Lastly, Akintayo Emmanuel comments: “Jesus’ instruction here is simple, but often it is the simplest things that we fail to heed. Yes, we are to strive to improve our situation. For example, if we are fearful about our financial situation, then we should make the effort to improve our wealth by cutting back on expenses or choosing to spend our time studying and training for a better-paying job than mindlessly watching TV. But while we make these efforts, we should always remember that God is forging our path and will provide for us. Instead of anxiety, we should feel joyful, expectant and grateful.”