The phrase “don’t be afraid” is found in the Bible three hundred and sixty-five times. There is one for each day of the year. This becomes a daily reminder to live a life empowered by God.
I don’t know about you, but being fearful is not something I enjoy or like to share with others. Being afraid is embarrassing and can paralyze us from moving forward. Often the Lord wants to stretch us spiritually, and fear can prevent us from taking a step of faith.
The disciples were fearful in a storm. Matthew 8:24But Jesus was sleeping. 25 The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” 26 Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!”[1]
The words “don’t be afraid” sound so easy. I believe all of us would like to live a life free from fears, but the storms of life can come up suddenly when we are not prepared. Before storms of life arrive, we must ask the Lord to help us always to rely on Him no matter the storm.
The Israelites were Afraid
The Israelites were backed up against the Red Sea with the Egyptian army right behind them. Although they had seen the Lord do many miracles to rescue them from Egypt, they were fearful and afraid. Exodus 14:13 But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again.[2]
When the Lord tells us not to fear, He calls us to look up to Him. When we look at Him, we focus on where He is leading us, not our circumstances. Psalm 105:4Search for the Lord and for his strength; continually seek him. [3] Today you may be facing a situation that seems beyond you and fearful, and the Lord is saying to you, “don’t be afraid.”
God Can Use us Despite our Fears
The Lord loves us despite our fears and failures and has fantastic plans for our lives. He does not give up on us but calls us back and encourages us to move forward. With God’s help, we can overcome our fears as we depend on Him.
Forty years after the Lord rescued Israel at the Red Sea, Moses died, and God called Joshua. Joshua was a very successful leader, yet when he became the overall leader of the nation, he was afraid. The task ahead may have seemed too much for Joshua. The job may have been too much for Joshua, but he did not have to do it alone, and neither do we.
The Lord was with Joshua and came to His rescue to encourage him. Instead of being displeased with Joshua’s fear, the Lord spoke to him kindly and encouraged him. Joshua 1:9 This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord, your God, is with you wherever you go. [4] I believe these are the exact words the Lord would like to speak into your life today!
Don’t be afraid. To learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/journey-freedom
[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.