Fear Not

Fear Not!  These seem like difficult words to utter during our current circumstances.  Many seem to have much to fear.  Fear seems to be all around us.  This fear can come to us in many facets.  There is the fear of health.  There is the fear of social injustice.  There is the fear of economic chaos.   The fear of loneliness.  The list of fears can go on and on.  These fears can make every day living seem like a heavy load to bear.

If we reflect back on our lives, I am certain that there have been many other times where fear has reared its ugly head.  I know I have lived with fear in my life on many occasions.  I believe we can all agree that living with any fear can strip away hope in our lives and leave us feeling helpless.  At least, that was my heart when the fears of my life have crept it.  I remember, at one point, sitting at the foot of my bed in anguish over what the future would hold and if I would have a place in that future.

So, how bold of our God to tell us "do not fear"!!  Doesn't He get it?  Does He understand all that is going on in my life and the world?  That's just it - He Does!  He has complete knowledge of the circumstances in your heart and soul in the midst of those circumstances.  Most importantly, He is the almighty and powerful God, who provides us the blessed assurance that His strength and His help is with us.  We may not feel it every minute of every day, yet, when we rest in His arms and feel Him wrap those arms around us, our fear can disseminate.

My mom bought me a wonderful journal that inserts my name into scripture, making the passages seem so very real and spoken words from God to me.  This has brought me comfort when I look at scripture that way - realizing that God IS speaking to me in each word of the Bible.  Try it with me:

        "So do not fear, ___________, I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

          I will strengthen you _____________ and help you __________;  I will uphold you

          _____________, with my righteous right hand."

When I read scripture, in particular this verse, I realize that my fears are nothing to the power of my God.  I find hope that God understands all my fears and will strengthen me to rise above them.  He brings righteousness to my days.  He calms my soul and fills my heart.  Each word of the Bible is not meant for "someone else".  Each word of the Bible is meant for me  -  it is meant for you!  As we read these words, God is speaking to each of us.

Uncertainty can bring fear.  Change can bring fear.  Other's words can bring fear.  We do not need to succumb to the fear that is around us and in us.  God is there for each of us, to strengthen us, to help us, to lift us up. Take your fears to God and see how He brings forth change in each of us.  With our focus on God and away from us, we can watch miracles happen in our daily lives. 

Heavenly Father, grant us peace from our fears.  Look inside our hearts and see where they are troubled and anxious.  Give us serenity, peace and focus to move in the direction you want for us.  Let your path to righteousness be clear for all and may we calm our fears along the journey.  In your holy and gracious name we pray.  Amen!