Fearless - Day 4

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

In find it interesting that God commanded Joshua to not be afraid or discouraged. Some would say that’s a pretty harsh command! We can’t control how we feel, can we? It seems like God is saying that fear and discouragement are a choice. He promises to be with us and instructs us not to operate out of fear but to walk in strength and courage…His strength and courage! Even if I feel afraid, I don’t have to be afraid! Learning the difference is a major discovery in the journey of faith!

For Reflection: What is one area of my life where I feel afraid? What would it look like if I chose not to be afraid? How would I respond differently?

Lord, I know that you are with me, but sometimes I still feel afraid. Help me to look past the natural circumstances that surround me to see your presence.  Remind me of your promises and help me to respond in accordance with your word, rather than my fear. I thank you, in advance, for freedom from fear!

Don't forget; Fearless day 5 will be the Sunday morning sermon at River City Community Church.  If you are out of town or unable to be there, catch it online at real life.org.

Fearless - Day 3

The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. Psalm 103:13 NLT

There is one fear that the Bible encourages: the fear of the Lord. The fear of the Lord is very different from other fears. It is not like the fear a child has for an alcoholic parent who is unpredictable and might, at any moment, do something harmful. The biblical idea of the fear of the Lord is a clear understanding that God is different—He has no beginning or end, nor does He owe His existence to any creator. He is THE Creator and is more powerful and awesome than anyone, or anything in the world. It is a holy reverence that comes from recognizing who He is and who we are before Him. In a sense, it is the fear to end all fears. “If God is for us, then who can be against us?” My reverence, or fear of the Lord, puts me under His protection and covering. I don’t need to be afraid, because He is with me!

For reflection: Am I uncomfortable with the idea of “fearing” God, and if so, why? How does an accurate vision of God impact the fears that threaten to hinder my growth?

Lord, help me to understand the “fear of God” in light of the love of God. You are the all powerful creator of all things and yet you invite me to call you Father. You are omnipotent and I am your child. Thank you for your tender compassion to those who fear you. Because of your presence, I don’t have to be afraid.

Fearless - Day 2

The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. Psalm 34:7

The next time you are tempted to give in to fear, stop and remember this verse! Imagine how differently you’ll feel when you realize that you are not alone and that the God of the universe has placed heavenly protection around you! Take note of the word “encamps.” That means He’s here to stay, 24/7.  It’s not a phone call or a visit. He makes His dwelling in and around you! Walking in this one simple belief will go a long way to helping you become the fearless child of God that you were created to be!

For reflection:  Do I see God as “out there somewhere” or always with me? How does His nearness impact my feelings of fear?

Lord, I trust your word and I thank you that you are with and around me. When I wake up in the morning, you are there. And when I sleep at night, you are watching over me. Thank you for your presence and the freedom from fear that it brings. There’s always hope because you’re always with me.