TRUST CHRIST, BANISH FEAR

This is our last day of focusing on he topic “Victory Over Fear.”  We pray that you've gleaned wise exhortations from our devotional team, Most of all, we pray that you have committed these powerful scriptures to memory.  

A pithy anecdote I heard years ago was, “Fear knocked on the door; faith answered, and there was no one there!” Fear, which is so often attached to the unknown, is best handled by giving it over to our omniscient and omnipotent Savior God, depriving it of power to immobilize us. We, just like Timothy in the above verse, have needed reminders that our Lord has provided for us EVERY spiritual resource that we need for living victoriously through every trial and adversity [Ephesians 1:3]! Lacking trust or refusing to rely upon our Lord’s provision permits fear to stymie our progress in all kinds of endeavors—even in ministry.

This must have been what the writer of Psalm 56:3 was proclaiming where it is written, “What time I am afraid, I will trust in God.” As is true of salvation, the principle declared in John 6:63, ”The Spirit gives life; the flesh profits nothing,” commends our strong reliance upon the Holy Spirit when our courage through life’s hard places or circumstances is threatened. Our Lord has never denied fear’s existence throughout our earthly journey; rather we can be greatly encouraged by the witness of many who are listed in the scriptural hall of faith, [Hebrews, chapter 11], along with the testimonies contained in countless biographies of stout-hearted Christ followers across the centuries.

Yes, our Savior God desires that we faithfully acknowledge that He is the One who can most reliably loosen fear’s sometimes toxic stranglehold on our heart and spirit—especially in perilous days such as these! Whether we or our dearest loved ones are faced with serious health challenges, career struggles, family difficulties, or vulnerabilities related to our personal safety, we must courageously cast every one of those cares upon HIM, seek godly counsel in His Word and through others who may impart godly wisdom and knowledge, press the issue in prayer, and, above all, refuse to give in to the faithlessness of fear! It is written that, “Without faith it is impossible to please Him [Hebrews 11:6].”

PRAYER: Dear Father, You have lovingly commanded us in Your Word to “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. … For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior (Isaiah 43:1b-3). Thank You for reviving our courage in You by the power of Your indwelling Spirit. Thank You, in Jesus’ name; amen.
By Sis. Denise Diggs