Posted on 10/06/2017 6:52:13 AM PDT by Gamecock
We are fragile mortals, given to fears of every sort. We have a built-in insecurity that no amount of whistling in the dark can mollify. We seek assurance concerning the things that frighten us the most.
The prohibition uttered more frequently than any other by our Lord is the command “Fear not.” He said this so often to His disciples and others He encountered that it almost came to sound like a greeting. Where most people greet others by saying “Hi” or “Hello,” the first words of Jesus very often were “Fear not.”
Why? Perhaps Jesus’ predilection for those words grew out of His acute sense of the fear that grips all who approach the living God. We fear His power; we fear His wrath; and most of all we fear His ultimate rejection.
The assurance we need the most is the assurance of salvation. Though we are loath to think much about it or contemplate it deeply, we know—if only intuitively—that the worst catastrophe that could befall us is to be visited by God’s final punitive wrath. Our insecurity is worsened by the certainty that we deserve it.
Coram Deo
Listen to God’s Word to you today: Fear not!
Passages for Further Study
Isaiah 41:10 fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Luke 12:32 “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
Hebrews 13:6 So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”
This week I present something a little more upbeat. Backstory: Our Brigade was headed off to OIF and at chapel we were used to singing Jesus is my boyfriend type songs, the exact stuff our war-fighters didn't really get into singing. Somehow my wife finagled her way onto the worship team that weekend and got them to sing this song. The tankers and infantrymen belted out this song, you could tell it was coming from deep in their souls. I saw several of them tearing up while singing. So I present to you
Do Not Fear (Isaiah 43)
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you
And the waves, will not overcome you
Do not fear, for I have redeemed you
I have called you by name, you are Mine
For I am the Lord your God (girls repeat)
I am the Lord your God
(I am) the Holy One of Israel, your Savior (2x)
(Guys) I am the Lord
(Girls) Do not fear
When you pass through the fire, you'll not be hurt
And the flames will not consume you
Do not fear, for I have redeemed you
I have called you by name, you are Mine
(Guys)You are the Lord
(Girls)I'll not fear
Friday Morning Ping
Thank you for this little devotional and meditation. It’s just what I needed to consider as fears try to move in from the periphery. Christ is the antidote.
Thanks GC. I needed to hear this today.
But what if you face something which has no good end?....when it means the life of another slowly fades away and they are no longer there as you have known them to be? Even knowing Jesus is with you does not seem to soften the reality.....
Some things are just very hard and raw to contend with even when you know Him well.....
So, IOW, what do you do when all you have left is the promises of God?
Yes....and at the moment I don’t know, ...especially since some things might seem like promises when they’re actually possibilities.
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