Unexplained Dread (What is it and how do I get rid of it?)
For most of my adult life, I’ve experienced times of unexplained dread. I’ve woken up dreading the day and fallen asleep dreading the night. Many times I’ve wondered, What is it and how do I get rid of it?
Dread, in the simplest of terms, is to fear. But I’ve always felt like there’s more to it – an underlying root that needs to be revealed in order to stop these feelings once and for all. I’m happy to say that in recent months, the Lord has revealed specific things that cause dread and has helped uproot them in order to live in peace, joy, and strength.
I pray this post is a HUGE help to you as you stop dreading tomorrow (or today) and start living in the freedom Jesus offers.
When Dread Comes, Name It!
There are usually no predictors of dread – no warning or red flags to let us know it’s coming. And if we’re honest, it can seem like there’s a dark cloud of foreboding or unrest hovering overhead.
HOWEVER…Ephesians 6:12 says, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
This is a powerful revelation as to what dread is and how we can overcome it. For in the very next part of Ephesians 6, we read, “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.”
When dread comes, and it eventually will, we can…
- Name it as a power of darkness and force of evil
- Put on the FULL armor of God and stand our ground.
Don’t know what the armor of God is? Let’s start from head to toe:
- The helmet of salvation
- The breastplate of righteousness
- The shield of faith
- The belt of truth
- The sword of the Spirit
- The shoes of the Gospel
Please take a few seconds to read that list again. THE FULL ARMOR of God is your defense against the darkness of dread! Think it won’t work? Think again! When you wake up every single day and picture yourself putting on God’s armor, naming each vital piece one by one, you are equipping yourself to stand against ALL feelings of dread.
When Standing Against Dread, Rebuke It!
It’s likely you’ve heard the advice “Rebuke Satan in the name of Jesus.” Not only is this advice Biblical, but it’s also POWERFUL.
I cannot emphasize enough the importance of rebuking the enemy daily (even hourly) in order to shake off feelings of dread and live in the joy, hope, and peace of God. Seriously, there’s a reason why the world gets upset at the name of Jesus being used in schools and public places – there is POWER in His name!
The very mention of “Jesus” aloud causes demons to flee. Satan cannot remain in the presence of God’s Spirit, and as a follower of Jesus, having committed your heart fully to Him, the enemy cannot stick around when you call on His name.
So, first thing in the morning, before you even get out of bed, speak the name “Jesus.” Repeat His name as often as needed and KNOW that by His name you are freed from any grip of fear or dread.
Notice How You’re Inviting Feelings of Dread
Now, I’m going to mention something that isn’t going to sit well with some. In fact, it doesn’t always sit well with me. It’s the thing no one wants to talk about… personal sin.
Whenever we engage in sinful thoughts or behavior, we invite dread into our lives. Why?
Because dread has a root of fear and sinful behavior eventually causes our hearts to fear. Now, please understand that conviction from the Holy Spirit is good. He does not cause fear but instead deep awareness of our wrongdoing. And when God makes us aware, we are invited to repent and be forgiven.
1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
Did you hear that?
If we confess our sins, God IS faithful and just. He WILL forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. There is no “might forgive us” or “hope He forgives us” but He WILL forgive. Repentance is a cleansing power in our lives. And make no mistake. It doesn’t open the door for more sin to take place. It humbles us so that we will “go and sin no more.”
When going through your day, notice what is inviting dread. It could be…
- what you’re watching
- what you’re listening to
- what you’re thinking
- who you’re engaging with
Much of our dread is caused by our own disobedience, my friend. And I only say this because I’ve lived it! Please let this exercise – the awareness of what you’re inviting into your life – be a powerful way for you to humbly repent, be cleansed by God, and be free from fear and dread.
When Dread Persists, Ask God if You’re Abiding in His Will
Often, when we’re dreading something in particular, such as a doctor’s appointment or much-needed confrontation, it’s understandable that we’d rather not have to face those obligations.
But what if you’re constantly dreading going to work, going to church, interacting with that friend, or engaging in that activity? Could it be you’re living outside the will of God for your life?
This feeling of dread takes a lot of prayer and discernment – especially if your job is providing for your family and your church is a place you’ve been part of for a long time. From experience, there are times when I feel dread due to my own negative thoughts, and there are other times when I feel dread because I’m not walking in God’s will. It can be difficult to discern, so I’ve put together a few questions to ask yourself in the process:
- Have I agreed to something I know is outside the will of God?
- Am I walking out of step with the Holy Spirit (either by running ahead or lagging behind)?
- Is God calling me to do this difficult thing, or am I forcing my own will?
- Does this job, church, relationship, or behavior align with the Scriptures?
Seek God when trying to determine if you’re living within His will. If you’re not, feelings of dread will be a regular part of your life. Remember to test everything in the light of Scripture. The Word of God is a lamp. It is a light for your path and a TRUE compass for direction.
As Christians, should we feel dread? Is that even Biblical?
Many of us who’ve dealt with worry, fear, or dread have felt extremely guilty for it. We read Jesus’ words that say, “Do not worry,” and we want to obey! However, we are still human. Dread isn’t wanted, but it still comes our way.
Here are a few examples of dread in the Bible:
“Your life shall hang in doubt before you. Night and day you shall be in dread and have no assurance of your life. In the morning you shall say, ‘If only it were evening!’ and at evening you shall say, ‘If only it were morning!’ because of the dread that your heart shall feel, and the sights that your eyes shall see.” (Deuteronomy 28:66-67 ESV)
“For the thing I greatly feared has come upon me,
And what I dreaded has happened to me. I am not at ease, nor am I quiet;
I have no rest, for trouble comes.” (Job 3:25-26)
“…my soul is bereft of peace; I have forgotten what happiness is…” (Lamentations 3:17)
From these examples, we see that dread comes from these situations:
- doubt
- disobedience
- uncertainty
- situations/circumstances
- unexpected trials
- lack of peace
Feelings of dread have afflicted God’s people through the ages, yet there is always, ALWAYS hope.
It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed. (Deuteronomy 31:8 ESV)
I would have lost heart unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord! (Psalm 27:13-14)
But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31)
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. (Romand 15:13)
My friend, I cannot leave you with anything more promising than the powerful words of God. Repeat these verses every single time dread comes knocking. Write them down. Carry them with you. And know that the name of Jesus is powerful enough to cast out every bit of darkness, fear, or dread.
In Him,
Jennifer
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