{"id":616,"date":"2020-03-18T09:07:30","date_gmt":"2020-03-18T14:07:30","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/reconciledworld.org\/flourish\/?p=616"},"modified":"2020-03-18T09:07:30","modified_gmt":"2020-03-18T14:07:30","slug":"fear-not","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/reconciledworld.org\/flourish\/fear-not\/","title":{"rendered":"Fear Not…"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Bible is littered with verses regarding fear, worry, and anxiety. Around every scriptural corner seems to be an encouragement against fear. In fact, the Bible has several hundred verses that include the phrase \u201cFear Not\u201d.<\/span>[1]<\/span><\/sup><\/span> Fear is one of the enemy\u2019s most popular weapons that he uses against us. Worry and fear can overwhelm us like a thick cloud of darkness. It can control us, depress us, and paralyze us.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In a time where uncertainty surrounds us, the answer to our fear isn\u2019t found in vaccinations, social distancing, or stockpiling toilet paper, but rather the firm foundation of Jesus Christ. No matter where you find yourself in regards to worrying and fear, here are a few reminders and promises.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Fear Not\u2026 I am with you<\/h4>\n

You are not hidden from God. He is with you, for you, and beside you.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c<\/span>Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.<\/span><\/i>\u201d Isaiah 41:10<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Fear Not\u2026 you have power<\/h4>\n

God gives His people everything we need to be overcomers, and fear is no different.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFor God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.\u201d<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/i>2 Timothy 1:7<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Fear Not\u2026 I am your stronghold<\/h4>\n

Where do you run with your worry? To the refuge of God, the tower and stronghold.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c<\/span>The <\/span><\/i>Lord<\/span><\/i> is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The <\/span><\/i>Lord<\/span><\/i> is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?\u201d<\/span><\/i> Psalm 27:1<\/span><\/p>\n

Fear Not\u2026 I have redeemed you<\/h4>\n

Jesus\u2019 death conquered your fears. You have been redeemed and are called by name.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.\u201d <\/span><\/i>Isaiah 43:1<\/span><\/p>\n

Fear Not\u2026 I hear you<\/h4>\n

God hears the needs and cries of His people. Come to God in prayer and He will hear you, guard you, and give you peace.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.\u201d<\/span><\/i> Philippians 4:6-7<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Fear Not\u2026 you cannot be separated from me<\/h4>\n

There is no virus, act of terrorism, parenting struggle, or suffering that can ever separate you from the love of Jesus. It\u2019s yours, forever!<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFor I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.\u201d<\/span><\/i> Romans 8:38-39<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Fear Not\u2026 I will care for you<\/h4>\n

The word <\/span>\u201ccast<\/span><\/i>\u201d means to \u201c<\/span>throw off<\/span><\/i>\u201d or \u201c<\/span>throw upon<\/span><\/i>\u201d. When we throw our worries upon God He will gently and lovingly care for us.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c<\/span>Cast all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.\u201d<\/span><\/i> 1 Peter 5:7<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Why would God give us several hundred verses reminding us not to fear? Why would God want us to be so certain of His promises in the face of fear?<\/h4>\n

Because God knows we are prone to worry and worry devastates us.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Fear and worry cripple us, and the results can be devastating. Panic, fixation on worst case scenarios, self-preservation, and changes in work ethic, attitude, and health are all effects of fear. Worry is not our friend. We don\u2019t call it our friend of course, but we still clutch it to our chests like our favorite childhood stuffed animal. When we give fear a place to settle in our lives it ravages us. Ultimately fear cripples our ability to live and be who God has called and designed us to be.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c<\/span><\/i>Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.\u201d<\/span><\/i> Proverbs 12:25<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Because God wants to reassure us that He is not caught off guard or surprised<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

God is not surprised by viral outbreaks. He is not stunned by disease, terrorism, or violence. God is sovereign, and nothing is out of His control. God reassures us that He is King and has conquered everything for His glory.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen He placed His right hand on me and said: Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last.\u201d <\/span><\/i>Revelation 1:17<\/span><\/p>\n

Because God has provided a way to victory<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Through Jesus we are more than conquerors. God has granted us victory and triumph over the worries of this world through the death and resurrection of Jesus. Through Jesus our victory is sealed.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? The Lord is with me; He is my helper. I look in triumph on my enemies.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/i>Psalm 118:6-7<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/i>Romans 8:37<\/span><\/p>\n

Fear not my friends! As the world shakes around us, turn to Jesus for relief, encouragement, and reassurance. His promises are true, and the victory is His!<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>

\n

Growth Point<\/span>:<\/span><\/h4>\n

Fear cripples, but God controls and overcomes through the blood of the lamb.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Scripture Point<\/span>:<\/span><\/h4>\n

Read Psalm 46. Meditate on God\u2019s promises in this passage.<\/span><\/p>\n

Action Point:<\/span><\/h4>\n

Spend time this week reflecting on the verses presented above. Find a favorite, memorize it, and declare it anytime fear creeps in.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>

<\/div><\/div><\/div>
[1] https:\/\/www1.cbn.com\/soultransformation\/archive\/2011\/10\/21\/fear-not.-365-days-a-year<\/span><\/h6>\n<\/div>
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