Fear Not

Devotional Reading: for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7 ESV

There is a natural fear which protects us from danger. There is also an unnatural fear which paralyzes us. It’s more than an emotion; it has spiritual forces behind it. And there is also a spiritual fear, the fear of God.

Fear has a way of changing our focus from God to the problems around us. Fear can change our confession from God’s promise to what we are feeling. All throughout the Scripture we are commanded: “Do not fear.” The reason for not fearing is that we are not alone. God is with us; that’s the promise God gives us to combat fear.

You may have reasons to fear, but you have greater reasons not to be afraid. The greater reason is God himself. He is with you. He will never leave you. God is not afraid of your problems and even your doubt or fear.

When God brought Israel to the Red Sea, he gave them the promise that the enemies you see today you will never see again. God doesn’t promise us life without storms, enemies, troubles, or struggles. He gives us his presence in the midst of all of that. Israel had to remind themselves, if God brought us to this, he will bring us through this. The situation looked terrible—they couldn’t swim through the Red Sea, they didn’t have a boat; but God did something new. He made a way where there was no way. He is a way maker.

If it seems like you will drown in the problems you are facing right now and there is no way through this, take one day at a time. Keep in mind, your Lord is the way maker.

Prayers and Confession:
I have reasons to be afraid, but I have greater reasons not to fear. If God brought me this far, he will bring me through it all. God will make a way when there is no way. Amen!

Further Reading: Isaiah 43