Fear
Everyone is afraid at some point in their life – even adults! Some people are afraid of the dark, spiders, snakes, dogs, being alone, bullies, heights, tests, storms and death. That’s just to name a few! Fear can get out of control and keep us from doing things that we need to do. Once again, God’s word, the Bible, has the answer for every problem.
How can I handle my fears? By believing God’s promises! It’s in the Bible, "Fear not, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed. I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with My victorious right hand” (Isaiah 41:10, TLB).
Sometimes I feel like a coward. Is there any help for me? It’s in the Bible, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9, NIV).
Sometimes I feel afraid of God. How can I know that I have nothing to fear? It was Jesus who said, “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.” (John 14:1, NKJV). God doesn’t want us to be troubled. The verse goes on to say that He is preparing heaven for us. When you really think about what God has done and is doing for us, the fear goes away.
My friends are scared of God, because they say He is only looking to punish people for doing wrong. Is that true? God is not looking to punish people. He loves us. It’s in the Bible, “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love" (I John 4:18, ESV). When we love God in return for loving us, our fear of God will disappear because we know who He is.
The Christian life is not one of fear, because we know that God wants to give us the kingdom, not keep us out. “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom" (Luke 12:32, NKJV).
I’m afraid of earthquakes, floods, tornadoes and hurricanes. Is there a promise for me that will give me peace? "God is our refuge and strength, a tested help in times of trouble. And so we need not fear even if the world blows up, and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam; let the mountains tremble!"(Psalm 46:1-3, TLB). When you feel afraid, read of Jesus and His disciples in the middle of a storm, Mark 4:35-41. It’s a great reminder that even in the middle of the scary storms of life, Jesus is with us. "But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm."
What if I am afraid of other people? It’s in the Bible, "That is why we can say without any doubt or fear, ‘The Lord is my Helper and I am not afraid of anything that mere man can do to me.’"(Hebrews 13:6, TLB).
I want to do what is right, but I’m scared of what my friends will say. Don’t be afraid to do what is right, God cares about you. It’s in the Bible, "And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. ‘And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled” (1 Peter 3:13-14, NKJV).
I get really scared of the dark. Even in the darkest moments of our lives, Jesus is there with us to protect us! It’s in the Bible, "He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me" (Psalm 23:3-4, NKJV).
God gives us power, not fear. The Bible says, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." (2 Timothy 1:7, NKJV). Jesus can give us a peace that replaces our fears. "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."(John 14:27, NKJV).
If we are God’s, there is nothing to fear facing life’s problems. It’s in the Bible, "But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel: ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you’" (Isaiah 43:1-2, NKJV).
Bad news is scary. I dread what may happen to me or my family in the future. Read this verse several times and memorize it. "He does not fear bad news, nor live in dread of what may happen. For he is settled in his mind that Jehovah will take care of him. That is why he is not afraid but can calmly face his foes" (Psalm 112:7-8, TLB)
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