Fear

September 6th – Psalm 2:5

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Psalm 2:5

When we think about countries that persecute Christians, America isn’t usually the first to pop up in your mind. And while it’s far from the worst, the mistreatment of believers is getting progressively worse. Whether we are slandered, mocked, or “canceled”, intolerance for followers of Christ is wearing thin. Yet we needn’t fear those who can kill the body but not our souls. (Matt. 10:28) Because God has an a appointed day when He will deal with all the peoples of the earth who reject Him, His Son, and His children. They will taste God’s anger, and be terrified of His wrath poured out through the return of Christ. Jesus is the mighty eternal King of all creation, against whom no ruler or army can stand. He will break the nations with a “rod of iron”, (Ps. 2:9) and will reign forever. So stand strong, and be courageous. Because the Lord will have His day of reckoning. (Is. 2:12) And that day is coming quickly.

September 6th – Psalm 2:5 Read More »

September 5th – Proverbs 8:13

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Proverbs 8:13

What if I told you that fear is a sin? How? Because at the root of fear is pride, and we know what God thinks about pride. Pride submits to no one, grasping at control, and thinking we ourselves know best. And it’s the same with fear. When we let fear dictate our actions, we’re telling God we trust more in our own feelings than in His promises. But through humility and faith, we can knock fear off the throne in our lives. Humility is never an easy pill to swallow. Because admitting we are wrong, being vulnerable, and submitting is hard. But when we come to God with a truly humble heart, He doesn’t say, “I told you so.” Instead He welcomes us with open arms, inviting us to draw near to Him. To safely shelter in His impenetrable tower of power, mercy, and wisdom. And when we put our faith in His perfect love and promises, we have no room to be afraid. For, as 1 John 4:18 tells us, “There is no fear in love. But perfect love casts out fear.”

September 5th – Proverbs 8:13 Read More »

September 1st – Jeremiah 1:17

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Jeremiah 1:17

Jeremiah faithfully served God for over forty years. But when he first heard the Lord’s call, Jeremiah did like many of us do, he questioned God. After all there was no way such a young man could go out and be the voice of the Lord! So fearfully Jeremiah cried out, “Alas, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak.” (Jeremiah 1:6) And to himself Jeremiah thought, “There must be some mistake. I can’t do this.” But there was no mistake. God knew exactly what He was doing. For in His perfect plan, He created Jeremiah just for this time and this purpose. Before we are born, during creation, God sets each of us apart for the purpose that is uniquely ours. And no matter the calling, whether it be as simple as helping a friend in need, or as hard as delivering a message of doom to a nation, we needn’t fear. We can fulfill the purpose before us knowing if God sees us to it, He’ll see us through it!

September 1st – Jeremiah 1:17 Read More »

July 24th – Psalm 16:9

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Psalm 16:9

Not all fear is bad. There is the healthy fear that helps keep us from harm. And the fear of the Lord which is the, “beginning of knowledge” (Prov. 1:7) But far too often the fear that fills us is the kind that keeps us stuck under the thumb of the Enemy. King David knew a thing or two about enemy attacks. Yet because of the depth of His faith in God, he feared nothing; not even death. Charles Spurgeon wrote, “Never fear dying, beloved. Dying is the last, but the least matter that a Christian has to be anxious about. Fear living. That is a hard battle to fight, a stern discipline to endure, and a rough voyage to undergo.” As Christians we needn’t ever fear passing from this world to the next. For what awaits us is more glorious than anything we could ever imagine. A perfect eternity of love and peace, spent at the side of our Savior. And knowing what awaits us, how could we not rejoice and rest secure in God’s love!

July 24th – Psalm 16:9 Read More »

June 26th – Psalm 103:8

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Psalm 103:8

Does your heart ever grow heavy from bearing the weight of your mistakes? The truth is, we all fall short and need forgiveness daily. Fortunately, God’s grace comes in an abundant supply. The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to anger, and filled with unfailing love. He does not accuse, nor remain angry forever. He does not deal harshly with us, but instead is faithful to forgive our never-ending sin. And although God may let us reap the consequences from the decisions we make, His steadfast love for us is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. A love in full display through His Son Jesus Christ. Who regardless of the mistakes we’ve made, stands ready to welcome us with open arms and not a pointed finger.

June 26th – Psalm 103:8 Read More »

June 25th – Psalm 55:22

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Psalm 55:22

Between the government, social media, and news outlets, fear is peddled as a hot commodity. No wonder in today’s climate people are afraid to even step out of their front door. But God, in His great love, reminds us that as His children we need not fear. For the Lord our God is with us. And with His mighty hand He will provide, sustain, and strengthen us. Never will He let us be shaken. But for that to happen we have to trust in Him and His promises. And let’s be honest. It’s easier to have fear than faith. To act on emotion instead of in standing in God’s truth. Billy Graham once said, “Fear can banish faith, but faith can banish fear. Faith isn’t pretending our problems don’t exist, nor is it simply blind optimism. Faith points us beyond our problems to the hope we have in Christ.” A great hope that allows us to cast all our cares upon Him, knowing we are wrapped in God’s love, goodness, and mercy.

June 25th – Psalm 55:22 Read More »

June 3rd – John 14:27

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John 14:27

I wish I could tell you there was a magic pill, a fool proof therapy, or a sure fire yoga pose to combat fear and anxiety. But there’s not. Because nothing this world offers can truly ease our weary hearts. No, the true soul resting peace that we crave only comes from the Lord. I myself struggle with PTSD stemming from a childhood tragedy. And some days the battle for peace seems impossible to win. But because of my relationship with Jesus Christ, I don’t fight it alone. It’s a war I wage together with Him. The moment I feel the fear start to creep in, I cry out to my Lord. I share with Him every thought and feeling. And I remember His promise that tells me if my fears never come to pass, or if my greatest dread is realized, Jesus is there. And my heart need never be troubled or afraid.

June 3rd – John 14:27 Read More »

March 21st – Philippians 4:6-7

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Philippians 4:6-7

The faith and love of the Lord exhibited by Paul never ceases to amaze me. No matter if he endured beatings, persecution, imprisonment, or a shipwreck, he never gave up. Nor did he give in to anxiety or despair. Does it mean he didn’t have those feelings, even for a brief minute? Of course not. For Paul, like us, always battled his human nature. But because of his close, personal, relationship with God, Paul experienced a peace beyond human understanding. And we can too.

Anxiety and worry go hand in hand with life. Especially as the days grow darker. But that doesn’t mean we have to stay trapped in the swirling cyclone of turmoil. We have a choice. But unfortunately some people get so used to being surrounded by anxiety and drama, without it they feel incomplete. And sadder still, some even thrive on it. But that’s no way for Christians to live. Because God wants to fill every area of our hearts, minds, and lives, with His perfect peace.

First we need to believe in our minds that God is the Author of peace. Next we need to believe in our hearts that He will overflow us with that peace. And we do that by following Paul’s example of prayers and thanksgivings. How do we learn to pray and give thanks? By spending time in God’s Word, and applying His promises to our lives. For as we grow in our understanding of the overwhelming love our Heavenly Father has for His children, our minds can find the peace they so desperately crave. And our hearts can’t help but burst with thankfulness for all God is and does.

As long we the earth is our home, we will encounter situations that will test our faith, and attempt to rattle our peace. But remembering that nothing happens without God’s say so, and He uses all things for our good, gives us a peace that transcends human understanding. I love the analogy of living in peace being like the petals of a flower unfolding in the morning sunlight. Our petals of peace open as we learn more about God. And as we soak in the sunshine of His perfect love, our petals blossom in His warmth and goodness.

March 21st – Philippians 4:6-7 Read More »

January 23rd – Matthew 6:34

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Matthew 6:34

The lyrics to one of my favorite songs go, “One day at a time, sweet Jesus. That’s all I’m asking from You. Just give me the strength to do everyday, what I have to do.” Every day is filled with its own unique challenges and circumstances. And Jesus wants us to focus on each one as it comes without worry for the future. Why? Because the Lord knows that worry causes needless fear and anxiety. Needless because no matter what tomorrow brings, God is already there. He’s there, in control, and working His plans for our good. Our focus should be on the day at hand. And trusting in God every moment of every day to supply all we need to get through it in victory. Now that doesn’t mean we don’t plan for the future. But what it does mean is that we shouldn’t let the worry about that future rob us of the joy from God’s gift of today.

January 23rd – Matthew 6:34 Read More »

January 22nd – Psalm 27:3

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Psalm 27:3

With the days growing darker and the enemies of Christians closing in on all sides, how can we not fear? King David felt that same type of fear. In the over 20 years after being anointed to actually taking the throne, he too faced enemies from every side. Yet with confidence David declared, “Whom shall I fear?” How could David be so fearless? Because he knew that neither his own strength, nor his cleverness could save him. No the king of Israel knew his deliverance would only come from the Lord. And David trusted that as he followed in obedience, the Lord would defend him at every turn. For David knew the love God had for him, and put his security in that love. God also loves us with the same intensity. And we can rest securely in the knowledge that God’s love will protect us no matter what. So we too can boldly say, “Though my enemies surround me, my heart will not fear!”

January 22nd – Psalm 27:3 Read More »