Do Not Fear

When a friend of family member tells us not to be afraid of something we may take them at their word or we may not pay attention to what they said.  It all depends on the circumstances whether we will believe them or not.  For example if you and I were on a rope bridge that went across a large canyon and a friend told us not to be afraid, I am pretty sure I wouldn't listen to that advise not matter how sincere the person was being.

We all get afraid sometimes.  Sometimes they are small fears and some are really big and scary.  Most of our fears never become reality, thankfully, but that doesn't mean they don't effect us and our lives because they do.  Sometimes our fears can effect us greatly to the extent that we avoid people or places and that can be really bad.   There are some people that never leave their house because of fear.

The Lord tells us several times throughout Scripture not to be afraid or do not fear.  When the Lord tells us not to fear we should listen to Him.  He knows what He is talking about.

Isaiah 41:10-13 says,

"So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced;
those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish.
Though you search for your enemies,
you will not find them.
Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all.

For I am the Lord, your God,
who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear;
I will help you."

The Lord will help us no matter what fearful situation we may encounter.  In this world we will most likely find quite a few of those times.  There are many things that can cause us to fear and some of those can come from our own thinking.  Have you ever scared yourself just by the way you were thinking?  I know I have a time or two.  It is kind of embarrassing to admit it, but sometimes our imaginations can get the best of us at times. 

We have help to face our fears though.  The Lord is right there next to us hold our hand and whispering in our ears,

"Do not fear; I will help you."

Are you trusting the Lord with your fears?

Lord,
Thank You for being with us and Thank You that we don't have to fear.
We know that perfect love cast out all fear.
Hold our hand O Lord and lead us according to Your will.
In Jesus name,
Amen.