FEAR NOT!

 EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

SATURDAY JUNE 10, 2023.

SUBJECT : FEAR NOT!

Memory verse: "Say to those who are fearful-heart, “Be strong, do not fear!, Behold your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God; He will come and save you." (Isaiah 35 vs 4.)

READ: Psalm 27 vs 1; Isaiah 41 bs 10; Second Timothy 1 vs 7; Hebrews 13 vs 6:

Psalms 27:1: (A Psalm of David.)The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Isaiah 41:10: Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes I will help you. I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’

Second Timothy 1:7: For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

Hebrews 13:6: So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”

INTIMATION: 

Fear is a dark shadow that envelops us and ultimately imprisons us within ourselves. Everyone has been a prisoner of fear at one time or another—fear of rejection, misunderstanding, uncertainty, sickness, or even death. But we can conquer fear by trusting in the Lord, who brings salvation. If we want to dispel the darkness of fear, let us remember with the psalm writer that “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalms 27  vs 1 (A Psalm of David.)

Throughout the Bible we find this phrase “Do not fear!” God wasn’t trying to scare the people. He was showing His mighty power so the people would know He was the true God and would, therefore, obey Him. If they would do this, He would make His power available to them. God wants us to follow Him out of love rather than fear. To overcome fear, we must think more about His love. First John 4 vs 18 says, “Perfect love casts out fear.”

Fear can immobilize us. The size of a job, it’s risk, or the pressure of the situation can cause us to freeze and do nothing. One remedy for fear is found here: ‘Don’t focus on the fear; instead, focus on God who controls all circumstances.’ Getting started is often the most difficult and frightening part of a job.

When you fear what lies ahead, remember that God will stay with you through difficult times and that He has promised you great blessings. When new situations or surroundings frighten you, recognize that experiencing fear is normal. To be paralyzed by fear, however, is an indication that you question God’s ability to care of you. 

The Lord says, in Isaiah 43 vs 2, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned; nor shall the flame kindle upon you.” Going through rivers of difficulty will either cause you to drawn or force you to grow stronger. If you go in your own strength though, you are more likely to drawn. If you invite the Lord to go with you, He will protect you.

In any struggle, fear can keep us from taking a stand for God and from participating in God’s victories. Face your fear head-on. If you are grounded in God, victory will come when you hold that ground. Every believer is the Master’s child. What a privilege! Because we are God’s children, we share in great treasures as co-heirs. God has already given us His best gifts: His Son, His Holy Spirit, forgiveness, and eternal life; and He encourages us to ask Him for whatever we need.

When we allow fear to rule us, we make fear more powerful than God. Remember God is greater than all your fears. Recognizing why you are afraid is the first step in committing your fear to God. When we follow God regardless of the difficulties, we demonstrate courageous, and overcoming faith. 

Have you ever been surrounded by the “enemy” or faced overwhelming odds? God is never intimidated by the size of the enemy or the complexity of a problem. With Him, there are always enough resources to resist the pressures and win the battle. Know it that the size and nature of your problem would not restrict God’s ability to help you. 

Jesus said in Matthew 10 vs 29 - 32: “Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” Jesus said that God is aware of everything that happens even to sparrows, and you are far more valuable to Him than they are. You are so valuable that God sent His only Son to die for you (John 3 vs 16). 

Because God places such value on you, you need never fear personal threats or difficult trials. These can’t shake God’s love or dislodge His Spirit from within you. This doesn’t mean, however, that God will take away all your troubles. The real test of value is how well something holds up under the wear, tear, and stress of everyday life. Those who stand up for Christ in spite of their troubles truly have lasting value and will receive great rewards. 

Do you ever think that because you aren’t good enough for God, He will not save you? Do you ever feel as if salvation is for everyone else but you? If God gave His Son for you, He isn’t going to hold back the gift of salvation. If Christ gave His life for you, He isn’t going to turn around and condemn you. He will not withhold anything you need to live for Him.

Prayer: Abba Father, in You I live, and move, and have my being. If You be for me, no one can be against me. You are my helper, I will not be afraid, under the canopy of Your mighty wings You have hidden me, and is standing me on the solid rock of Jesus Christ. Therefore, I will fear no evil for You are my refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. I commit my whole being to Your care, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed, Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!