“Do not be Afraid’

 

 

“So, faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. Romans 10:17”

“Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress; I will never be shaken”. Psalm 62:2 

 

Clearly, a shield is vitally important to a soldier. It provides a blanket of protection. It is meant to be taken up in all circumstances. It is the first barrier against the enemy’s attack. For me it’s our ‘Book’.

 

A fitting name for all who frequent, for all time. It’s a book like no other, in a class by itself. About 40 different human authors contributed to this wonderful book, which was written over a period of about 1500 years. The authors were kings, fishermen, priests, government officials, farmers, shepherds, and doctors. From all this diversity comes an incredible unity, with common themes woven throughout. "What is this book?" The Bible! Its unity is due to the fact that, ultimately, it has one Author—God Himself. The Bible is “God-breathed”. 2 Timothy 3:16 

 

If we have to speak of a single purpose of the Bible, it would be to reveal God to us and “All” Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 

 

Some of the Bible is spoken directly by God Himself, and other parts are spoken by men whom He guided—but all of it is His Word, and all of it is beneficial and authoritative. Scripture shows us the way of salvation. Furthermore, it will teach us, rebuke us when we are wrong, and train us how to do right so that we may be ready to do God’s work. The Bible is God’s self-revelation to humanity. “who we are, from where did we come?” “Why we are here?” and “What happens to us when we die?” It tells us of our sin and of God’s plan of salvation in Jesus Christ. Our reassuring,” spoon full of sugar” words and promises of God. 

 

 Let us draw on the power of Scripture—the Word of God using his Spirit’s sword as we pray in perseverance and holiness, making our appeal to God as we help those who are afraid within their life’s. We live in a world that offers plenty of chances to fear, and we can be rather creative in thinking of new things to be fearful of. Maybe that’s why one of the most oft-repeated commands in the Bible is do not be afraid. Of course, the Bible does more than issue the command; it gives us good reasons why we do not need to be afraid. 

 

For some of us to listen to a person experiencing the bad news of the world, is a hard process. We are trained to give our opinion before we hear the whole story as we dive in with a fast food fix solution. Blurting out everything that comes into our heads. James 1:19-20 says, “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires”. Be a servant, “This is what we’re here for”.

 

 

Trust in God. This has to be the starting point. Do we trust God or not? What’s the hold on you? Are you free and Born Again? Because there’s suffering of, oppression, conflict, grief, sickness, death and tragedy that could use some grown up good news; like the gospel of the bible. A special kind of medicine that when given can produce a clinical translator of words that sound like, “you make me proud”. But, more than that, the Bible is God’s Word. Reminding me to “Trust in God” which will counteract the effects of fear. The Bible’s admonition to not be afraid naturally implies faith in God. If we’re honest “Faith, which is trust, and fear are opposite poles. If a man has the one, he can scarcely have the other in vigorous operation. He that has his trust set upon God does not need to dread anything except the weakening or the paralyzing of that trust” constantly reminding us that the letters of fear are twofold: False, Evidence, Appearing, Rear which is relying on the self of idol. While the greater thing, the other fear(reverence), is being overcome with God’s Glory as we run to the father in victory.

 

Don’t focus on the fear. We choose what we dwell on. To focus on the source of fear is to engender more fear; to focus on the One who takes fear away is to find solace. We can choose to fix our thoughts on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. We “think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise”. Philippians 4:8 As Jairus the synagogue ruler was bringing Jesus home to save his daughter, he received news that his daughter had died (Mark 5:35). Immediately, Jesus told Jairus, “Don’t be afraid; just believe” (verse 36). In other words, Jairus must forgo the natural focus on the tragedy and fear and focus instead on faith and the Lord’s nearness. In choosing to not be afraid, we remember that “the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world”. 1 John 4:4 

 

Combat the temptation to fear. We are in a spiritual battle, and one of the enemy’s tactics is to promote fear. In His grace, God has given us spiritual armor to wage a successful battle. We have “the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one”. Ephesians 6:16 There’s a wonderful promise here. The shield we wield extinguishes the flames of all the devil’s darts, including the temptation to fear. Faith overcomes fear of any kind, and it is with confidence in Gods word that we take our stand. Part of combating temptation is following the path of wisdom and obedience, which always brings good results: “When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet”. Proverbs 3:24 

The song, “How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds,”, expresses the hopeful spirit within the believer as a foot soldier who serves the Commander of the Lord’s army Joshua 5:14. 

“How sweet the name of Jesus sounds
In a believer’s ear!
It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds,
And drives away his fear.”

 

God Bless You And This Ministry!