GOD GIVES FREEDOM FROM FEAR
“Do not fear, for I am with you.” Isaiah 41:10
Have you ever been afraid? Fear is something each of us has experienced. Someone once studied things that people fear the most. Number 1 on the list was fear of speaking in front of a group of people. Number 2 was fear of heights. Some people become extremely frightened if they must go on top of a roof or look down into a deep pit. Number 3 was fear of going to the dentist. There probably isn’t anyone who loves going there. Number 4 was fear of snakes. Ever since the snake was cursed in the Garden of Eden people have been afraid of snakes. Number 5 was the fear of flying. Many people refuse to fly because of their fear. Number 6 was fear of spiders and insects. Number 7 was a fear of tight spaces. This is called claustrophobia. Many people are afraid of being caught in a tight space where they cannot move. Number 8 was the fear of mice. Number 9 was a fear of dogs. And number 10 was the fear of thunder and lightning.
How many of these fears are on your list? Certainly there are others that could be added like fear of being lost from your parents, fear of dying, fear of loneliness, or fear of becoming ill.
The Bible often speaks of fear. Many Bible people also were frightened. God told Isaac, Moses, Joshua, and Gideon not to be afraid. In the Christmas story Zechariah, Mary and the shepherds were all told not to be afraid. The Bible mentions fear over 300 times!
But God has blessed us with knowing that as long as he is our God, and we are his children, there is nothing for us to fear. God assures us that he is with us every moment of the day to wipe away our fears. Yes, we might still be hesitant to climb up on a roof or fly in an airplane, but we need never fear loneliness, being unloved, or not knowing where we will spend eternity. God assures us that all those fears are not necessary. He has taken them all away. The Bible says: “Do not fear, for 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” (Isaiah 41:10). What wonderful assurance we have knowing there is no reason for us ever to have thoughts of fear. God has given us reason not to be afraid.
Dear Jesus, there are many times we become frightened of things or situations around us. Teach us to find safety in you. Show us that you are waiting to take hold of our hands and lead us to safety. In your name we ask this. Amen.
From Living for Jesus by Reynold R. Kremer