In a moment of fear, perhaps we’ve been told, “Don’t be afraid.” While some may find that statement comforting, for others it might be challenging. Though it’s encouraging to think that we don’t have to be ruled by fear, the news or difficult events in our own lives might make us wonder if it’s really possible to find freedom from fear.

But it can be done. Once we realize that fear isn’t an actual power, we can lose our fear of fear, our fear of being affected by fear, and ultimately fear itself—we’re no longer afraid.

Fear does seem like a power, like something that can push us around—paralyze and terrorize us. But mentally scroll back two thousand or so years, and we can find comfort—and instruction about what to do if we’re feeling afraid—from a man who was clearly unmoved by fear. The man was Christ Jesus, and his words to his followers were, “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32).