“Do Not Fear…Do Not Be Afraid…!”

“Do Not Fear…Do Not Be Afraid…!”(Is.41:8-14).
Fear is said to be man’s enemy because “fear is overthinking what may happen and what could happen.” Fear is when we exaggerate the unknown in our minds. Fear is an enemy of man because most things we fear never happen.
Some say fear is the greatest enemy of progress. Since faith is being certain of what we hope for, any entertainment of fear destroys hope thus shattering certainty. Fear imposes loss of hope upon us.
In the Bible the phrases “Fear not” appears about 300 times, “Do not be afraid” ” about 33 times and “Do not fear” appears not less than 60 times.
With God on our side our enemies cannot triumph over us. We have this blessed assurance, “I have chosen you and have not rejected you. 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…Do not fear; I will help you. Do not be afraid, O worm…for I myself will help you.”
Franklin D. Roosevelt assumed office as POTUS at the depth of the Great Depression, but he helped the American people to regain faith in themselves as he asserted in his Inaugural Address,“the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”
When we overcome fear, then we move on with confident hope!
My friend, I do not know what you fear at this moment, but let me remind you of these blessed assurances, you may be a helpless worm, but “Fear not…”, “Do not be afraid…” “Do not be anxious…”, “Do not be dismayed…”
Above all, the One who offered himself for our sake assures us, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world”(Jn.16:33).
Yes,“…not anything else in all creation, will be able to seperate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” We are more than conquerors(Rom.8:37-39).
Weekend prayer: Holy Spirit give me the strength to overcome my fears and strengthen my faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!
Have a blessed weekend! Peace be with you!
Rev Babila Fochang.