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Right off the bat, I would like to ask you a question. Are you afraid?
Do you spend a portion of your waking hours scared, nervous, worried, anxious, or stuffed with fretful jitters? Okay, that’s two questions, but math was never my strong point.
As a believer in Jesus Christ, I’m not supposed to be afraid, but I’m being vulnerable here by saying that I do have my moments. I also strongly suspect that you and I might share this commonality as we go through each hurried and often tenuous day. In faith, I know that I am not supposed to be afraid, but when my thoughts run rampant against my wishes, I do become a trite jumpy. I may even question if my Heavenly Father really has things under control as he says here…
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10 NLT)
I personally find that worrying is a piece of cake and being afraid when I know I should not, is even easier. Did you know that trepidation is exactly what the devil wants to stir up in my soul and yours? He wants us to lose faith and question if God can be trusted and if all his promises are on the up and up. I recently learned that in the bible, there is one phrase that is repeated 365 times.
Do you know what it is?
DO NOT BE AFRAID.”
Seems to me that God has done His very best to help us understand that with Him by our side and the Holy Spirit engrossed in our daily lives, that we need not be afraid. Four simple words, but also four power-house words infused with mind-numbing strength and courage to boldly step out in faith. Need a bit more buoying up?
“The Lord is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?” (Psalms 27:1 NLT)
“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” (John 14:27 NLT)
There are still 362 verses in the bible about not being afraid, and it’s clear as day that God wants you and I to unequivocally know that as His children, we are not to be afraid. As I begin a new week, I plan on repeating those four words over and over whenever I slip into the canyon of fear and being afraid in my circumstances, or in my yet-to-be answered prayers, or in the worries I have over loved ones and their physical and spiritual well-being.
“Do Not Be Afraid,” are God’s words to you and I. Super easy to remember when a booster shot of divine strength is needed to help us push forward while God works out the details and implements his plans to prosper us and not harm us—to give us hope and a future! So, go ahead and repeat after me with conviction. I dare you!
“DO NOT BE AFRAID!”
Amen to that.
Paul Smyth
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