Monday's Reading- Deuteronomy 31:1-13
“The presence of fear does not mean you have no faith. Fear visits everyone. But make your fear a visitor and not a resident.”...Max Lucado
I love the writings of J.R.R. Tolkien. One of my favorite quotes comes from his book “The Lord of the Rings” in which the hobbit Bilbo Baggins tells his young cousin, “It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to.” That’s how it is living in a fallen world. Scary things can be found all around us. And if we aren’t careful, we can find ourselves getting swept away into living lives focused on all there is to be afraid of, overwhelmed by things out of our control, and unable to enjoy God’s very best. But by putting our faith and trust in the Lord and keeping our feet firmly planted on the path He provides, when fear comes to call we can make sure it stays a visitor and doesn’t become a resident.
Throughout the Bible we read of people who despite feeling afraid accomplished great things for God. Joshua is one such person. After following Moses for forty years and witnessing the awesome miracles he performed, it became Joshua’s turn to lead. Imagine the fear and panic that ran through his head knowing that now it was him in charge of over two million people. And not just any people, God’s people. Moses, who I’m sure could relate to what Joshua was feeling, gave him some sage advice. “Be strong and courageous.” “The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” (Deut. 31:6,8) By applying these words to our own lives, we can break the grip of fear and its hold over our minds and hearts.
Be Strong-“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” (Phil. 4:13) Instead of standing alone when we stand in the spiritual strength that can only be found in the Lord, we experience the power we need to face down even the deepest and darkest fear.
Be Courageous- “Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong.” (1 Cor. 16:13) Although God promises to provide the strength to face our fears, we must muster up the courage. In a poem titled “Equipment”, Edgar Guest writes, “Courage must come from the soul within, the man must furnish the will to win.”
The Lord Goes Ahead-“You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head.” (Ps. 139:5) No matter what we face great or small, God is there. We have nothing to fear knowing He's always one step ahead lighting and leading us down the path that He Himself has carefully and lovingly laid out for us.
God Is Faithful-“But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.” (2 Thes. 3:3) When others can’t understand what it is we’re feeling or the fears running through our minds they may judge us, turn away or let us down. Not God. He will never forsake, fail, or forget us. His love never changes and we can always depend on Him.
Do Not Fear-“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you." (Ps. 56:3) Notice David doesn’t say, “if I am afraid”, he says, “when I am afraid.” Fear is an emotion that none of us can escape. God knows our thoughts and feelings, and tells us to bring them all to Him and trust that He is bigger than any fear you may face.
Fear is a part of life and not all fear is bad. There is the healthy fear that helps keep us from harm, and the fear of the Lord which is the “beginning of knowledge” (Prov. 1:7) But far too often the fear that fills us is the kind that keeps us stuck and under the thumb of the Enemy. If you are struggling, give it all to God. Open your heart to His love and your ears to His words as He says to you His precious child, “Fear not, for I am with you.” (Is. 41:10)
