FEAR NOT

Fear. How long have you been walking with this unwelcome companion? We experience fear in many ways. Fear of losing our job. Fear of a life-threatening diagnosis. Fear of bankruptcy. Fear of flying. Fear of a failed marriage. Fear of abandonment and so many more. Whatever form fear takes, the result is that we are not experiencing the abundant life that Jesus promised (John 10:10).

In 2019, I planned to travel to the USA. Unexpectedly, intense fear gripped my heart and mind. I feared that I would be denied entry to the country. I never had this experience before. As the day to travel drew nearer, I felt overwhelmed and sleep was no longer my friend. Then everything changed when I heard the song “No Longer a Slave to Fear”. Fear showed up suddenly, but the Holy Spirit used the truth of this song to deliver me from all my fears. Peace reigned in my heart.

What is the truth that displaced all my fears?

“I am a child of God. I'm no longer a slave to fear.”

But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. Isaiah‬ 43:1-2‬‬

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV)

Why should we not fear? The Sovereign Lord does not give fear, he is with us and he knows our names. He also strengthens and helps us. Have you experienced his strengthening power before? Well, he will do it again. The enemy is defeated. There is absolutely no way that the enemy will win this battle. It is the Lord’s. It is over for the enemy. It is not over for us. Stand still. Peace be still.

Fear Not. The storms may be raging and you may feel like giving up, but there is good news. The Lion of the Tribe of Judah is with you. There is no storm that is too powerful for him to calm. There is no sickness that the Great Physician, the Almighty cannot heal. He is more than enough for you. He is never surprised by your challenges. There is no need to be anxious.

How will we show that we are not fearful? We will sleep in the boat and be at peace even in the midst of the storm. We will not be cast down when challenges confront us. We will glory in our tribulations. Fear Not. Fear Not. Let us show God that we trust Him. He will be pleased. Let us laugh at the enemy instead of entertaining his lies.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that I should not fear. I confess, Lord, that I have often been crippled with fear and wondered if you had abandoned me. Please forgive me, Father, for those times that I feared rather than trusted you. I stand on your word that you will strengthen and help me to move forward in absolute confidence that you are faithful. I want to walk in faith and not in fear. Help me to keep my eyes on you and not to look at the circumstances. I love you. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Throughout this day: Identify the fear that has been paralyzing you. Meditate on the truth that God does not give fear and he will strengthen you. Listen to the song “No Longer a Slave to Fear”

as often as necessary. Be determined to go forward armed with your new tools. Fear Not.