There are times when we are fearful, timid and sometimes feel in terror. There are times when it seems that trouble is on every hand, around us, and even within us. We are afraid. But God tells us, “Be not afraid.” These are encouraging words; they are comforting words to a troubled spirit. Yet, we often do not heed these words and continue to do what we can, assured in our own strength. Often we make matters worse.
"Be not afraid – the Lord is on our side" is a powerful statement of faith and trust in God's protection and guidance. It reminds us that in times of uncertainty or fear, we can find comfort and strength knowing that God is with us, supporting us through life's challenges.
There is no need for us to be in fear, to be lonely, to feel alone, and to try to resolve problems on our own or to face any disaster alone. Our God has promised that He would not leave us or forsake us (Hebrew 13:5). He has promised that He would be with us always (Matthews 28:20).
Our world is a frightening place, Sin has made it that way, but as children of God, and we are under the protection of His mighty power and need not be afraid or alone.
We know our world is not as the Creator made it. Through disobedience, Adam and Eve set themselves apart from the Maker. Fear and distrust forced them into a frightening world. God did not allow man to be in isolation. He came to earth in the person of His Son, Jesus Christ, first to remove the sin barrier and then to assure man that His abiding presence would be with him throughout time and eternity. He arose from the grave proclaiming “All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth” (Matthew 28:18).
When we enter into a personal relationship with God, we admit our sin. We love Him, we trust Him, and we obey Him. Can it be that we are fearful and alone because we have not put our total trust in our Savior? He is the only One we can trust.
Not only do we trust ourselves, but we turn to other humans. God has not promised simple answer, untold quick wealth or quick solutions. He is the only One who knows all there is to know about us – what we do, where we go, what we think, what we love and desire (Psalm 139). He knows us because He made us in His image and He purchased us with His blood.
God has made promises to us – conditionally, yes; but He has not made any promise that has not been fulfilled.
We are told to “trust in the Lord and do good”..(Psalms 37:8). Our God has promised to us that:
∙ He would supply all our needs according to His riches.. (Philippians 4:19)
∙ He would instruct and teach us in the way we should go and would guide us (Psalms 32:8 ∙ He would strengthen us, help us and uphold us (Isaiah 41:10)
∙ He would not fail us or forsake us (Joshua 1:5)
∙ He would never leave us (Hebrew 13:5)
∙ He would not forget us (Isaiah 49:15)
∙ He would put His Spirit within us, to be our God and to save us (Ezekiel 36:27-29)
∙ He would love us (John 14:21)
∙ He would deliver us (Psalms 50:15)
God's promise here is clear: He will provide strength and help to His people in times of distress. This assurance gives us peace, knowing that God is actively involved in our lives, sustaining us when we are weak.
Trust is a part of faith (Mark 9:24). Faith in God puts all our troubles in the right perspective. What He has said in His Word will come true at the right time. Our God, His awesome power, His fierce love surrounds not just at our side, but all around us, and we have been given the gift of the Holy Spirit that dwells in us. With God for us, with the Son for us, with the Holy Spirit for, who can harm us? Paul declares that tribulation, distress, even the sword cannot separate us from God (Roman 8:35-39). We need not be afraid. The Lord is on our side!
The call to "be not afraid" is not a denial of the reality of challenges, but an invitation to trust in God's power and His loving care, which is greater than any fear we may face.
