Fear Not

Bill Brinkworth

This can be a scary world. There are unknown tomorrows, unmet needs, concealed uncertainties, and a host of other unknowns that trouble adults and children. As frightening as they may be, there can be comfort for Christians when facing these fearsome barriers. God’s hand on their lives should assure them nothing will happen to them unless God wills it for their lives or desires it so He will get the glory. Some of the many “fear not’s” in the Bible should encourage the believer that God will comfort us when we face:

The journey of life. As He promised Issac He would help him throughout his life, He will also help His own in this day and time.
“And the LORD appeared unto him the same night, and said, I am the God of Abraham thy father: fear not, for I am with thee, and will bless thee, and multiply thy seed for my servant Abraham's sake.” Genesis 26:24

Lack of necessities during hard times. He will provide for His own during hard times; even when there is not a practical solution, just as He did the “impossible” to meet Elijah’s needs.
“And Elijah said unto her, Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son. For thus saith the LORD God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the LORD sendeth rain upon the earth.” I Kings 17:13-14

Peril. The enemy is always outnumbered when God is on your side; as Elisha’s servant was allowed to witness.
“And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha. And when they came down to him, Elisha prayed unto the LORD, and said, Smite this people, I pray thee, with blindness. And he smote them with blindness according to the word of Elisha.”II Kings 6:16-18

Overpowering obstacles. As God promised Israel that he would help and strengthen them, He also can do the same for the believer that goes to Him for protection and strength.
“But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend. … Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish. Thou shalt seek them, and shalt not find them, even them that contended with thee: they that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing of nought.” Isaiah 41:8-12

Trials alone. God promised to be with Israel through all the hardships they would face. He also will be with today’s born-again believer, if he will call and wait patiently on God when he goes through scary unknowns.
“ … O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: … Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life. Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west;” Isaiah 43:1-5

Unknown tomorrows. God knows the details of every believer’s future, including what they need. He will take care of them!
“… And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 10:27-32

Death. Death may be scary to some. God is in control of even that.
“And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.” Revelation 1:17-18

 

People have always been afraid of something. God has always been there to meet their needs when they faced dilemmas. Although, we may not have all the promises given specifically to certain biblical individuals, it is the same God that helped them that can also still our worrisome mind about our unknowns. Fear not; God can help you.

“Fear is faithlessness.” — George Macdonald

 

This lesson was featured on The Bible View #170.

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