Contagious Fear - Fearless, Day 25

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Then the officers shall add, “Is any man afraid or fainthearted? Let him go home so that his brothers will not become disheartened too.” Deuteronomy 7:18

Fear is contagious. It spreads like a virus.

The scripture has reminded us repeatedly not to be afraid, but that’s sometimes easier said than done in a fear-filled culture. Even our economy is built around products whose entire sales pitch is designed to cause fear and then offer a solution to that fear. It’s like a deadly minefield of fear!

A couple of thoughts:

Be careful who you let influence you. There are those who have organized their entire lives around fear. If we’re not paying attention, we will get caught up in a perpetual “fear-fest.” Finances, politics, the state of “these kids nowadays”…you name it. There’s a lot to be afraid of! Be very careful lest their fear become yours!

Also, be aware of how you influence others. In difficult circumstances, one calm, faith-filled person can change everything! Each one of us has the power to calm or fuel fear. Leaders would do well to remember this principle! We don’t deny the reality of our circumstances, but we remind ourselves, and others, of the “unseen” reality around us. Like the prophet Elisha, God can use our faith to open the eyes of others to His presence all around us.

We don’t need any more voices of fear, but a few ambassadors of hope and faith would be a breath of fresh air!

For Reflection: Do you have a tendency to fear first and ask questions later? If so, why? Who do you know who restores your courage when you’re around them? What do you think is their secret?

Lord, help me to be a voice for faith! I want to remind others of Your goodness and power. There will always be reasons for fear, but in You there is greater reason to have courageous hope! Let our eyes be opened to Your presence all around us!

Father Knows - Fearless, Day 24

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“So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.” Matthew 6:31-32

Fear of not having enough is one of the most disabling fears of all. Sadly, many people have organized their lives around getting and keeping “more,” and in the process have missed out on some of God’s greatest gifts. Jesus assures us that Father knows what we need. I think the question is, “Do we?” Do we know what we need, or are we simply focused on what we want—or worse, what the culture around us says we should want?

Father knows what we need; and, the good news is He promises to provide everything that we need! Verse 33 of Matthew 6 extends the invitation…“seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Father loves you, knows what you need, and promises to be your provider. No Fear!

For Reflection: If you inherited enough money to retire on, what would you do with your life? If God promised to provide all that you need, if you’d just follow Him, what would you do differently? Since He has promised to provide everything we need, as we follow Him, what changes does that freedom allow you to consider?

Lord, I thank You that You are my provider. I trust You to provide all that I need according to the riches of Your incomparable love. Help me to organize my life around what You provide, not what the culture says I need. Let me see the freedom that can be mine if I’ll trust You with all my needs.  

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