May 4th – Fear Not

Taking It to Work:

Yesterday we said it is okay to take on more than we can handle alone, as long as know His strength and guidance is with us. Today we talk about the fear that can take over the best of us, as we are forging ahead through the the sometimes seemingly insurmountable challenges of work and life, even when we know He is by our side.

The Bible is full of “fear nots”. Some are when you are confronted with the likes of an angel, which apparently is pretty sobering, but likely hasn’t happened to many of us lately. The other opportunity for fear and worry to dominate is when we are in situations that we imagine could go very bad very easily. It is in these situation that our faith is truly tested. The prospect of a possible layoff, or the loss of a major contract or customer, or the prospect of imminent bankruptcy and failure can cause much fear in us.

These are real occurrences that happen everyday across the spectrum of believers and nonbelievers alike, but our responses, biblically anyway, should be far different. How does faith make them different? Primarily, it is this:

f the worst thing comes about in any of those situations, God’s Word, and hence our faith, says He is not only not leaving our side, He is leading the way through them, because we are His. As hard as it will be to go through, we know He knows where He is taking us, and the ultimate outcome will work to our good. It may force you to find that new customer, new market, or new job that you would not have done otherwise, or possibly force you to lose it all and start at square one again. Thousands of saints before us have gone through much more, and have come out with stories that start with, “We praise Him now, because, you know, if that wouldn’t have happened, we wouldn’t be here now…”

Those with a tendency to worry deeply, especially those whose thoughts run away to the worst scenarios possible, our Lord Jesus wants His peace and His Word to steady you. Fear of the unknown, or the uncontrolled, or the uncertain, with these, He reminds you, “You are not alone,” and nothing is unknown, uncontrolled, or uncertain to Him.

It is true for the non-believer. Their worry should be absolutely overwhelming at times because they are on their own. But you are not; you are with Him. Find a quiet place; fall at His feet; reject the voices of fear, and listen to His truth. It will set you free, as His Word works in you, today.

Isaiah 41:10 (ESV) – “So 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.”

Luke 2:10 (ESV) – And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.

Phil 4:6 (ESV) – Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Joshua 1:9 (ESV) –  “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Rom 8:28 (ESV) – And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

1 Peter 5:7 (ESV) –  casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

Listening to the Holy Spirit (Rhema):

Again you come to seek Me. In seeking you shall find. I draw My own by My Word, and I speak always to those who are Mine. I speak peace in turmoil, understanding in chaos. I bring order to the confusion – foolish to those who do not know the truth, but wisdom and calm to those who listen. Hear My voice. In the silence come to My feet, and I will bless even as you approach – calm within the great trembling. Cast your fear upon Me and know the Truth, that your situation will not overtake you, nor your enemy your joy. Give not an ear to the spirits of worry, contaminating the blessings that surround. Breathe My Word that you may overtake what would overtake you. This too shall pass, and I will be with you through it all. Find rest. Cling to My Spirit within. No anxious thought can live within My presence. Take captive the thoughts of destruction. They are not of Me, and I will be your shield.