20 Aug – We Don’t Have To Be Afraid

There are a lot of things that people are afraid of – especially right now. Fear of contracting diseases, viruses, dying, experiencing lack, loss, joblessness. Many have concerns over finances, being separated from loved ones, loss of our freedoms, our future and what is going to happen next.

It can all seem too much some days, and the more people feed on social media, news reports and others tidings of doom and gloom, the more overwhelmed by fear people become.

However God always, always has a means of escape and promises that He will deliver us. Over 365 times in the bible God says for us not to fear! Which means we have the capacity within us and in knowing Jesus to live free from fear. He enables us to walk through the valleys, to be provided for even in times of famine and to be joyful in all circumstances. 

God repeatedly promises that He will give us a means of escape and will strengthen us to stand in the midst of our enemies, whatever they may be.”The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.“ (1 Corinthians 10:13)

When the Israelites were wandering in the desert a plague of venomous snakes started to bite and kill many people. “Moses interceded for the people and the Lord said to him to, “Make a snake and mount it on a pole. When anyone who is bitten looks at it, he will live. So Moses made a bronze snake and mounted it on a pole. If anyone who was bitten looked at the bronze snake, he would live.…(Numbers 21:7-8)

When we are tempted to fear or to become confused and angry at our circumstances, God promises that He will show us a way out and through. No problem is too big for Him to handle, and no pressure or issue beyond His infinite care. Just as the Israelites were instructed to look up and to use their faith to trust that God would heal and deliver them from the plague of snakes, He also asks us to look up and to remember what Jesus has done for us. As Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, Jesus was also lifted up on a  cross to bring us healing and deliverance (John 3:14).

Therefore whatever we may face now or in the future we can be encouraged He’s got this! Our job is simple – keep looking at Jesus, and remember that nothing in all creation is able to separate us from His love. He holds the world in his hands and in Him all things hold together. 

Cast all your cares upon Him today and don’t be afraid. For you can trust Him to provide for you. Look to Him and you will find everything else.

“For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.“ (Colossians 1:16-17)

“For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods. In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him.” (Psalm 94:5)

“For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day.” (Psalm 91)

Prayer: Lord thank you that you always provide for me. With you I need not fear for you have the world in your hands and hold everything together. I trust in you to lead and guide me and to show me the way through whatever I may face. Thank you that I don’t have to be afraid. In Jesus name Amen.