“Fear not, O land, be glad and rejoice, for the Lord has done great things!” – Joel 2:21
God doesn’t want us to go through life afraid. In fact, the Bible offers daily reminders. The phrase “fear not” appears 365 times in Scripture!
How much more reassurance do we need? The message is clear: If we trust Him, we can cast all fears aside.
Maybe easier said than done. Who doesn’t feel fearful every now and then?
The fear-inducing possibilities are many: failing to live up to others’ expectations. Not having enough money. Making wrong choices in business, or marriage, or even buying a house or car. Don’t forget speaking in public – cited by many as their second-greatest fear, behind only death.
Being fearful doesn’t make you a bad person. It makes you human. God created us all in His image. Still, we inevitably sin, so will always fall short of perfection.
We can’t control when we feel fear. We can, however control our response to it.
Ears Open or Shut?
“You shall not fear them, for it is the Lord your God who fights for you.” – Deuteronomy 3:22
We’ve all known pathological liars. These people, for whatever reason, cannot be truthful.
Maybe they boasted about their swollen bank accounts, even as they never seemed to have money for lunch. They bragged of the beautiful people they dated – who, for some reason, you never met. They prattled endlessly about the exotic places they’d vacationed … yet didn’t have photos.
The truth eventually caught up. It always does. By this time, perhaps you’d distanced yourself from the person.
You might have blamed yourself, though, for the time you spent validating their untruths. You suspected they were all hot air, yet still kept their company. Maybe you feel gullible, or foolish. It’s easy to beat ourselves up. Hindsight is always illuminating.
Just like these former acquaintances, fear is a liar. God tells us that fear is a tool our enemies use. When we listen to fearful thoughts in our head, we validate them. Grant them an audience, and Satan starts talking.
Fear can be crippling. Once it takes hold, we’re enslaved. It’s a ball and chain on our lives.
So don’t listen. Fear is a liar. It’s like the pathological person we finally ditched. There was nothing in the relationship for us.
Instead, trust that God has a plan. He loves and strengthens us. We can believe His voice of truth … or fall for the fears and doubts that Satan spreads.
Bravery is about feeling fear, and advancing nonetheless. Don’t listen to that fear. You won’t go far with a chain and leg shackle.
Cast them into the fire, though, and the path becomes wide open. Fear not … and enjoy the journey.
(If you’re ready to embrace Christ, He’s ready for you. Visit C Suite for Christ to join in Christ-centered fellowship with other professionals. Submit a prayer request for a pressing need in your life. Follow C Suite for Christ on LinkedIn and Facebook. Questions? Contact Paul M. Neuberger at (414) 313-8338 or pneuberger@csuiteforchrist.com.)
