Fearless - Day 10

But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.” 1 Peter 3:14

Let’s be very clear…God never promises that we won’t suffer. Even those who do the right thing will suffer and, worse yet, the suffering may be a direct result of doing the right thing! Something in us wants to scream, “That’s not fair!” Well, sadly, life in a fallen world is not fair. However, suffering is different for those who are followers of Jesus. Even in the inevitable suffering that life can bring, we are blessed. We’re not alone. Suffering will not have the final word. Where there is death, Christ brings resurrection! Instead of being afraid, we are invited to be hopeful because God is working all things together for our good (Rom.8:28)! This hardship may be the very thing God uses to bring about the abundant life He promised! Don’t be afraid, you are blessed!

For Reflection: How do you respond to suffering? Think back on a time of suffering. Try to list 3 blessings that emerged from the hardship. (Think relationships, lessons, and opportunities.)

Lord, I thank you that I am not alone. You never promised that I wouldn’t suffer, but you promised to be with me. You even said that you would bless me in the midst of the suffering. I trust you in that, and I declare that I am not afraid. Help me to walk in the fearlessness of Your presence.

Fearless - Day 9

His heart is secure, he will have no fear; in the end he will look in triumph on his foes.  Psalm 112:8 

Eventually, we will all face foes or adversaries of one kind or another. Whether they are people, obstacles, or circumstances…spiritual or natural, they are real and they stand in opposition to God’s best for us. The question is how will these foes affect us? Psalm 112 opens by declaring blessing on “The man who fears the LORD” and “who finds great delight in his commands.” Verse 8 describes him as having no fear because his heart is “secure.”  I think of something strong, deeply rooted, and safe from the storms that rage all around. Make no mistake; one of fear’s primary inroads into our lives is a divided or unstable heart. Surrendering completely to the Lord and His plans creates a secure heart, which is solid and immoveable…and much less susceptible to fear.

For Reflection: What “foes” cause you anxiety or fear? Where do you find yourself struggling with a divided heart? Take a moment and surrender these areas to the Lord and ask Him to give you a more secure heart.

Lord, I thank you that you never fail. Anything I entrust to you is absolutely secure. Today, I entrust my heart to you again. Protect me from competing attachments that create a divided heart and open me to fear. Let my heart be fully yours and let me be fearless in you!

Fearless - Day 8

He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.  Psalm 112:7 

I hate bad news…and so do you. That’s why it’s called bad news. But, the person who puts their trust in the Lord has a very different response to it. Bad news looks different when seen in light of a good God. In Him, there is always hope!  That’s why the scripture says: “his heart is steadfast, trusting the Lord” It’s not a matter of denial. Bad news is still bad. But, we don’t lose heart, because we have a good and powerful God! We don’t need to be afraid.

For Reflection: What bad news do you fear most? Take a moment and put that situation in God’s hands

Lord, I thank you that I don’t have to face bad news alone. You are always with me. Because of Your presence, I don’t have to fear negative circumstances. Give me the strength to look to you and remember that you have the final word and that you are trustworthy.