THE
BOOK OF GOD'S PROMISES
Overcoming
Fear
By
J. Steven Lang
CBN.com
-- Franklin Roosevelt assured people that "The only thing we have to fear
is fear itself." The Bible makes an even bolder promise: We have nothing
to fear, period. This doesn't mean our lives will be trouble-free -- far
from it. But the message of God's Word is that fear -- of enemies, of the future,
of failure, whatever -- need not dominate our lives and paralyze. Even when
I walk through the dark valley of death, I will not be afraid, for you are close
beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast
for me in the presence of my enemies. You welcome me as a guest, anointing my
head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Psalm 23:4-5 The LORD is
my light and my salvation -- so why should I be afraid? The LORD protects me from
danger -- so why should I tremble? When evil people come to destroy me, when my
enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though a mighty army surrounds
me, my heart will know no fear. Even if they attack me, I remain confident. Psalm
27:1-3 God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.
So we will not fear, even if earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the
sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters
surge! A river brings joy to the city of our God, the sacred home of the Most
High. God himself lives in that city; it cannot be destroyed. Psalm 46:1-5
Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but to trust the LORD means safety. Proverbs
29:25 "Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your
God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious
right hand. "See, all your angry enemies lie there, confused and ashamed. Anyone
who opposes you will die. You will look for them in vain. They will all be gone!
I am holding you by your right hand -- I, the LORD your God. And I say to you,
`Do not be afraid. I am here to help you.'" Isaiah 41:13 "Sorrow and mourning
will disappear, and they will be overcome with joy and gladness. "I, even I,
am the one who comforts you. So why are you afraid of mere humans, who wither
like the grass and disappear?" Isaiah 51:11-12 "Don't be afraid of those
who want to kill you. They can only kill your body; they cannot touch your soul.
Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell." Matthew 10:28 "I
am leaving you with a gift -- peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn't
like the peace the world gives. So don't be troubled or afraid." John 14:27
No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ,
who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his
love. Death can't, and life can't. The angels can't, and the demons can't. Our
fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can't
keep God's love away. Whether we are high above the sky or in the deepest ocean,
nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God
that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:37-39 See also Contentment,
Hope, Worry.
The Book of God's Promises -- Copyright, 1999 by J.
Stephen Lang. All rights reserved, used with permission.
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