Fear Not
By: Calvin Scott
Good news! My little Franklin Electronic Bible says that the phrase fear not is found 169 times in the KJV. Here’s a perfect example in 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.”
For God Himself to say directly to us, His children, Fear not 169 times, He must surely be addressing something. I John 4:18 says, “… fear hath torment…” God being a good and perfect Father desires for all torment to be taken away from His children. It is the desire of any good parent to see their children free of the torment that comes with fear.
Recently, I personally, dealt with some fears that were tormenting me, disturbing my peace, and in general hindering me from effective ministry function. As I prayerfully worked on this challenge, the Lord taught me as He delivered me.
One of the summaries I determined about fear is, that most every troubling fear came down to being afraid of losing something or someone that is precious to me. I found little fear over my own person; rather it was usually the fear of loss concerning other people most connected to me.
One of the lessons learned in that revelation is without God I am incapable of protecting everyone He puts in my life. It is only with God and through faith in His promised protection, that I can prevent loss in the lives of those I love and feel responsible for.
The 169 times God said fear not is for every believer. Everyone at one time or the other is attacked and tormented with fear, so all of us need to learn to fully trust in the Lord our God. Just think; if God is by your side, what enemy would dare come close!
If you are in a fight with fear, take time right now to read this portion of God’s promise out loud. It will do your heart good, for your ears to hear, what your eyes are seeing.
“Don’t panic. I’m with you.
There’s no need to fear for I’m your God.
I’ll give you strength, I’ll help you.
I’ll hold you steady; keep a firm grip on you.
Count on it: Everyone who had it in for you
Will end up out in the cold – real losers.
Those who worked against you
Will end up empty-handed
-nothing to show for their lives.
When you go out looking for your
Old adversaries you won’t find them-
Not a trace of your old enemies, not even a memory.
That’s right. Because I, your God,
Have a firm grip on you and I’m not letting go.
I’m telling you, don’t panic.
I’m right here to help you.”
Isaiah 41; 10-13 the Message Version
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