Fear Not

Recent conversations have exposed an incredible amount of fear.  Because of a pandemic, some are still scared to leave home. Others are anxious about being in a crowd, because someone might begin shooting at them. These are real concerns. It is possible. Leaving home, one might catch a disease or encounter a deranged murderer. Other things could happen as well–an auto accident, a plane crash, or a lightning strike for example. One could have a heart attack while lying in bed. A friend slipped on a stray grape at the grocery store and the resulting injury may require surgery. In truth, anything can happen, anywhere, at any time. Perils abound. Giving any of them too much thought will keep us from living our lives.

One phrase scattered generously through the pages of Scripture is, “Fear not.” Repetition occurs in the Bible for emphasis. Every word is important, but when God says the same thing more than once, it is a clue we should pay attention. Reportedly, the ‘fear nots’ in the Bible number 365–one for every day of the year. Could it be the phrase occurs so often because we have such a tendency toward worry and fear?

The world we live in is conducive to fear. It is unstable–wars, famines, and earthquakes; political strife, terrorism, and injustice. The news cycle will keep our attention focused on the world’s problems, if we let it. Even without the negativity of the news, plenty of chaos in our own lives can make us fearful.

Yet Jesus says, “I have told you these things so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world,” (John 16:33 NLT).

 

Several of the Psalms begin with a sense of angst, but what begins in a mood of despair, changes as the writer turns his attention to who God is. Looking to God’s power, wisdom and goodness removes the despair and replaces it with trust in the knowledge that God will act in His time and way to settle the issue.

Thus the key to wiping out worry and fear is revealed. When we take our concerns to God, He comforts us. The very act of praying reminds us who is in charge. He is bigger and more powerful than anything we may face. We can trust His eternal purposes.

Paul said it well. “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6,7 NLT)

 

Turning to God and His Word replaces our fear with His peace. He established the length of our lives before we were born and worrying cannot add a single moment (Psalm 139:16 and Matthew 6:27).

Hebrews 13:5 tells us we should not fear because God will never forsake or abandon us. I am told, in the original language, “never” is repeated five times. It’s a thought He doesn’t want us to miss.

But I am trusting in you , O Lord, saying, “You are my God.” My future is in your hands. Psalm 31:14,15 NLT

 

Blessings,
Phyllis

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Copyright 2023 Phyllis L. Farringer