Many years ago, I led a song called “Fear Not” in kids ministry, youth groups, youth detention centers, retreats, and at Jesus festivals. It’s still easy to recite the words that were derived from Isaiah 43:1-3:
Fear not, for I am with you (3x’s)
Says the Lord!
I have redeemed you
I have called you by name
Child, you are mine
When you walk through the waters, I will be there
And through the flame
You'll not (no way) be drowned!
You'll not (no way) be burned! For I am with you!
More recently, I co-wrote the book War on Fear. It says, “The phrases ‘fear not’ or ‘do not be afraid’ are all over the Scriptures! When you have God on your side and Jesus is with you, fear doesn’t stand a chance!
Mainstream and social media supply an endless buffet to feed our fears: The economy is crashing. Politicians are ruining and dividing our country. WWIII is looming. Prices are high; morale is low. Families are falling apart. Our kids are gender confused and ideologically indoctrinated. Everyone is oppressed, depressed, and obsessed. People are addicted, afflicted, and conflicted. True enough, but it doesn’t have to lead to debilitating fear if we have more of the eternal good news than the daily bad news.
Many have pointed out that phrases like "fear not," "do not fear," or “do not be afraid” appear in the Bible 365 times, one for each day of the year. That’s a scripture a day to keep the fear away.
Rather than nourishing themselves with the Word, many believers try to ignore what’s going on by sticking their heads in the sand, hoping all the problems will disappear. But what we really need is courage to face frightening situations head-on.
We may feel fear but we do not have to give in to it. We can do whatever we need and want to do, even if we have to "do it afraid." Courage is not the absence of fear; it is action in the presence of fear. Joyce Meyer
King David, who faced many fears, wrote a song about it:
When I am afraid, I will trust in you.
In God, whose Word I praise,
In God I trust; I will not be afraid.
What can mortal man do to me?
Psalm 56:3-4
Many of the “fear not” scriptures tell us that in ancient times, there was plenty to fear, like the threats of destruction and attacks from their enemies that Israel still faces today. When Goliath threatened to put the Israelites in slavery, “On hearing the Philistine’s words, Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and terrified.” 1 Samuel 17:11. But David said to Saul, “Don’t let anyone be frightened because of that man. I am your servant, and I will go and fight with him.” 1 Samuel 17:32. David ran toward the fear in the name of Jehovah.
Israel had a powerful army at their backs and an uncrossable sea in front of them, but:
Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today ... The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.” Exodus 14:13-14
Gideon’s 300-man remnant army faced 135,000 fierce Midianites at 450 to 1. But he acted in the face of fear when God said, “But if you fear to go down, go down ...” Judges 7:10. It limits God if we give in to fear, but facing fear with faith and action releases the work of God in our lives.
Yea, they turned back and tested God, and limited the Holy One of Israel ... But we are not like those people who are afraid and who turn back ... But we are people who continue to trust God. And so, our lives are safe with God. Psalm 78:4, Hebrews 10:39
Declare these scriptures to combat fear and see God’s unlimited protection, prosperity, and purpose prevail in your life, your family, your health, your business, and our country.
"Do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand" Isaiah 41:10
“I will fear no evil, for you are with me.” Psalm 23:4
“So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them.” Deuteronomy 31:6:
“Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s . . . Do not fear or be dismayed . . . for the Lord is with you.” 2 Chron 20:15,17
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
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