No Fear

A few weekends ago, the meteorologists were calling for a potentially crippling ice storm to hit our area. The ice could cause power outages that would last for days. We were encouraged to prepare ahead of the storm. As supplies became impossible to find and I thought about losing power, anxiety kicked in. I turned on my favorite Bible verses for anxiety video on YouTube. In the video, it mentioned the story in Mark 4 where Jesus calmed the storm. In Mark 4:40, we read the words of Jesus, "And He said unto them, why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?" It was like the Lord was speaking to me in that moment! I didn't have to be fearful of the storm. I needed to have faith that God was in control. The next day, I played a sermon of Billy Graham, and he read the exact same scripture. God really wanted to confirm to me not to be afraid! As many people prayed about this storm, our area was spared and the power stayed on! All of my worry had been for nothing!

We can learn a lot about managing fear by reading the beautiful words in the Bible.

Just knowing that God is always with us can ease fear. Psalm 46:1 assures, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." My favorite verse, Isaiah 41:10 reads, "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."

Knowing that nothing can separate us from God can also alleviate fear. In Psalm 27:1, we read, "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" Why should we be afraid, knowing that God is our stronghold? Romans 8:38-39 asserts, "For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Trusting in the Lord is a key to overcoming fear. Psalm 112:7-8 says, "He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord. His heart is steady; he will not be afraid, until he looks in triumph on his adversaries." Psalm 56:3 declares, "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you." Proverbs 29:25 reads, "The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe."

Praying and seeking the Lord also helps combat fear. Psalm 34:4 reads, "I sought the Lord, and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears." Another verse that echoes this sentiment is Lamentations 3:57, "You came near when I called on You; You said, ‘Do not fear!’" Philippians 4:6-7 says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Love can cast out fear. 1 John 4:18 says, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” The devil will try to torment your mind with fear and anxiety. Keeping your mind on God can keep you in peace. Paul said in 2 Timothy 1:7, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."

Jesus Christ encouraged His followers to believe instead of giving in to fear. In John 14:1, Jesus said, "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me." In Mark 5:36, we read, "As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe." Instead of fearing a situation we cannot control, we should believe in the One Who is in control of all things!

The words, "Fear not," are mentioned multiple times in the Bible. God wants us to take those words to heart.

Enjoy a day of peace, resting in God's promises and claiming them over your life! When anxiety comes creeping in, remember those words, "Fear Not!"