Do not be afraid

Do not be afraid

Matthew 28:10(NKJV)

10Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me.”

Do you know how many times the phrase "do not be afraid" or "do not fear"  appear in the Bible?  99 times.  If we were to expand it to similar phrases that give the same meaning I'm sure the number would be even higher. 

This seems to be a common theme in the Bible so I wanted to look a little deeper into it.  First let's define fear so we are all on the same page.

fear

1. a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined; the feeling or condition of being afraid. Synonyms: foreboding, apprehension, consternation, dismay, dread, terror, fright, panic, horror, trepidation, qualm. Antonyms: courage, security, calm, intrepidity.

2. a specific instance of or propensity for such a feeling: an abnormal fear of heights. Synonyms: phobia, aversion; bête noire, bogy, bogey, bugbear. Antonyms: liking, fondness, penchant, predilection.
3. concern or anxiety; solicitude: a fear for someone's safety.
4. reverential awe, especially toward God: the fear of God. Synonyms: awe, respect, reverence, veneration.
5. something that causes feelings of dread or apprehension; something a person is afraid of: Cancer is a common fear.

But how do we not fear?  Isn't that unrealistic?  To completely eliminate fear is probably unrealistic.  Let's face it, if I jump out from behind a door and scare the snot out of you, no matter how cool and calm you normally are you are going to get a jolt of fear.

What I think Scripture is referring to is the condition of living in fear.  No matter how bad things are, if you are a Christian, there is absolutely no reason to live in fear.  Living in fear or not is a decision.  Think I'm being too simplistic?

God tells us very clearly not to live in fear.  God does not set us up for failure.  So if God tells us not to fear you can be sure that God gives us the tools we need to make that happen.  The tools He gives us is our faith, Scripture, and a belief in Jesus Christ.

Scripture tells us not to fear. 

Scripture tells us that God is in ultimate control and has a plan for our lives.

Scripture tells us that we can do all things through Christ.

Scripture tells us that God wants us to prosper in all things even as our soul prospers.

What more do you need?  Stop fearing and start standing on those promises!  Does that mean things will always work out perfectly and be all hunky dory in every situation?  Nope.  But what it does mean is that in the end it will all work out for the best if we truly have faith.

Let me give you and example.  Back in the 70's Chuck Colson went to prison for his part in the Watergate Scandal.  But out of the experience, because of his faith, came a multi decade, nation wide, prison ministry.  It all worked out to the glory of God in the end.

So how do you get this faith?  The first step is asking Jesus to be the Lord of your life.  Have you done that yet?  It's easy.  Just have a conversation with Jesus asking Him to take control.  "Dear Jesus…."

Now get into the Word.  Seek God's wisdom in the Bible.  You don't have to read it all at one.  Try reading 1 chapter a day in the New Testament and 1 chapter a day in the Old Testament.  Shouldn't take more than 15-30 minutes.  From there it is just a matter of taking control of your fear.  Anytime you feel the fear, lean on what you have learned in Scripture and then lean on God.  Make a decision to no longer fear.  

That's it?  That's all there is to it?  Well not exactly.  It is a decision that you will have to make again and again throughout your life.  Faith is like a muscle.  The more you exercise it the stronger it gets.  So over time it will become easier and easier, but it still all starts with a decision not to fear.

Have faith.  You won't be disappointed!