FEAR NOT!!
When we face the unknown, why is it that the “what ifs” fill our thoughts followed by a whirlpool of fear that pulls us down to sadness, despair and sleepless nights. For example, an unknown ailment, a layoff from work, a rebellious teen, an unfaithful spouse and the list goes on.
For the Christian, God’s book of answers provides a whole list of “fear nots” to cover the problems which are out of our control. Over 150 times God says “fear not” in the Bible. Here are a few passages that may provide comfort:
Is. 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you. Be not dismayed, for I am Your God, I will strengthen you.
Is. 41:13 For I, the LORD your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, “fear not, I will help you.”
Psalm 56:4 In God (I will praise His Word). In God, I have put my trust. I will not fear. What can flesh do to me?
Matt. 10:31 Do not fear, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
2 Tim 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
The question now is HOW can we “fear not”? The answer is in both the Old Testament and the New Testament. It starts with our thoughts. Let’s look at the Apostle Paul’s instructions which he recorded in Philippians while he was under house arrest.
Philippians 4:4-9
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, 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 minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
It takes a quiet, focus time to bring our thought life under God’s control, but if we turn our thoughts to Him, He will provide relief from all our fears. Just remember
“There are no panic buttons in heaven” – God is in controlJ