The words “don’t fear” are often repeated in God’s word. But what does that mean when the Lord reminds us not to fear? Are you wrong to feel fear when you are diagnosed with a severe health issue or you have lost your job? I don’t believe you are wrong because God has designed our brains to experience fear. But where do we go in times of desperation?
In times of fear, the Lord wants us to go to him like a child would to their parents. Fear, if not dealt with appropriately, can paralyze us. When we come to God amid our fears, He can help us take steps toward faith no matter the circumstance. Unfortunately, we will experience fear in our sinful world, but God is more powerful than any fear. God walks with us during our fear, giving us reassurance and hope. Because God is with us, we can see the light at the end of the tunnel as we walk through the darkness with Him.
Hezekiah Went to the Lord
The Assyrians were a great superpower who had conquered the Northern Kingdom of Israel and threatened the Southern Kingdom of Judah. The threat of being conquered by the Assyrians was genuine, and King Hezekiah tore his clothes and put on a burlap in repentance before he went to the Temple. Then, King Hezekiah sent trusted advisors to Isaiah the prophet.
2 Kings 19:4 But perhaps the Lord your God has heard the Assyrian chief of staff, sent by the king to defy the living God, and will punish him for his words. Oh, pray for those of us who are left!” [1] Hezekiah feared that the Assyrians would easily conquer him and turned to God. He followed advise from Scripture. Psalm 121:1I look up to the mountains— does my help come from there? 2 My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth! [2]
Isaiah the Prophet Responded to King Hezekiah
As King Hezekiah sent his message to Isaiah, the prophet, you can only imagine what was going through his mind. But, God spoke soothing words through Isaiah. 2 Kings 19:6 The prophet replied, “Say to your master, ‘This is what the Lord says: Do not be disturbed by this blasphemous speech against me from the Assyrian king’s messengers. 7 Listen! I myself will move against him, and the king will receive a message that he is needed at home. So he will return to his land, where I will have him killed with a sword.’ “ [3]
Great calmness must have settled over the heart of Hezekiah as he read the prophet’s words. This is the same calmness we can have as we take our fears to the Lord. Psalm 27:1 The Lord is my light and my salvation— so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? [4] If you are suffering from fear, turn to the Lord. Meditate on His Word so the Lord can bring peace, hope, and reassurance instead of fear.
Don’t fear. To learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/hezekiah-assyrians
[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.