In light of Friday’s tragic events in Paris, I decided to speak today at church on the topic of “Fear not.”
News of terrorism has a way of awakening our senses and reminding us of our vulnerability to darkness and evil. Because of sin, we live in a fallen and broken world where terror will always be a tactic Satan uses to disrupt God’s people.
But… It is at times like this, when fear and worry creep up within me, that I remind myself of God’s Word.
Countless times throughout Scripture, we hear God telling His children to “fear not,” “be not afraid,” “do not worry,” or “be anxious for nothing.”
It is clear to me that God, the Creator of the universe, and the One who fashioned my very being, knows the anxiety and fear I face when times become uncertain.
Many psychologists say that humans are capable of only two emotions – love and fear – and from these two primary emotions flow happiness, joy, peace, contentment, as well as hate, anger, guilt, and confusion. Indeed, God Himself created us with the capacities and capabilities to exercise these two emotions. However, it is only one emotion that He purposes to bring life and power to our life – and that is Love.
The Bible tells us that “God is love” (1 John 4:8) and that “perfect love casts out fear.” (1 John 4:18)
It is only by God’s love that we are able to overcome fear and that we can have hope for the future and in eternity. As Christians, today, we need God’s love to consume us and to dispel all fear within us. It is not a time to be faint of heart or to be discouraged over the things we cannot control.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
God gives us the very tools we need to be courageous and strong in times of despair.
Friends, if you are troubled by all the news of the terrorist acts, or simply overwhelmed by the every day anxieties of life, I hope you will find encouragement and confidence in the Word of God today. Below are 100 verses that speak to “fearing not.” Print them out and put them some place where you can reference them when you need them. May they help you – as they have helped me – to move from being fearful to FEARLESS!
100 Bible Verses on Being Fearless!
Psalm 27:1 & 3
The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid? Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.