There are many things we can be afraid of, and just as many ways to be fearful. We all experience fear from time to time.
Actually, to have no fear at all is a very rare condition. It is medically known as hypophobia,
So, no need for a guilt trip there 😉, fear is a normal human emotion.
When fear consumes us
However, when fear consumes us and makes us worry, we should take note. Fear should not dominate our thoughts, feelings, and actions for the Bible makes it clear that we have a Helper and Protector, a God who watches over us, which is beautifully described in Isaiah 41:10,
Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
Well, if that isn't enough to calm our fears, I don't know what will.
Take His words to heart
Jesus repeatedly told the people of His time not to be afraid, not to fear. He even mentioned it in His teaching about the end times (Matthew 24:6). We should take His words to heart.
That 41st chapter of Isaiah, I mentioned above, is where Israël received assurance of God's help in difficult times. How appropriate that is for Israël today, and how appropriate for us as well. Read with me, please (Isaiah 41:11-13):
Behold, all those who were incensed against you shall be ashamed and disgraced; They shall be as nothing, and those who strive with you shall perish. You shall seek them and not find them—Those who contended with you. Those who war against you shall be as nothing, as a nonexistent thing. For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’
A nonexistent thing
Did you read that? Those who war against you shall be as nothing, as a nonexistent thing. Let's make that personal... what is waging war against you? What makes you fearful?
Whatever it is, we can declare in agreement with the Word of God that it shall be as a nonexistent thing, in Jesus'name.
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Thank you, Marja, for this timely word. I don't worry about big things. But I fuss over small things, like how I look, what people will think of me, all the weeds in my garden, etc. Those are warring for my attention, aren't they? I need to hand them over to Jesus and ask Him to help me overcome them, so they become as nonexistent! Thanks again, Jen
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome Jen, I am glad the post spoke to you. Yes, often they are the small things that occupy our minds, I can relate. We say we trust the Lord, but in reality that is not always an easy thing to do.
DeleteI've been think a bit today about what God is "the God of"; one reference is Psalm 43:2: "For thou art the God of my strength". So we have the security of knowing God in that way.
ReplyDeleteYeas and amen David, He is the God of our strength, so we do not need to fear.
DeleteSuch a great reminder of God's protection and saving grace in our lives, Marja. We need not be afraid! Blessings!
ReplyDeleteThanks Martha Jane, we need NOT be afraid. Always a good and sometimes a timely reminder.
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