fear

DEAR GOD: In You I’m Strong & Have Courage~

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 “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” – Joshua 1:9 (KJV)

Joshua 1:9 is a powerful and uplifting verse that speaks to the heart of courage and faith. It comes at a pivotal moment when Joshua is about to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land after Moses’ death. This command from God is not just an encouragement; it is a Divine imperative that carries profound significance for both Joshua and believers today.

Biblical Analysis Overview:

  1. Divine Command: The verse begins with a rhetorical question, “Have not I commanded thee?” emphasizing that the instruction to be strong and courageous comes directly from God. This Divine command highlights the authority and assurance that comes from God’s words.
  2. Strength and Courage: The call to be strong and courageous is a recurring theme in the Bible, particularly in the context of facing formidable challenges. Strength here refers to inner fortitude, while courage refers to the absence of fear in the face of danger or uncertainty.
  3. Absence of Fear and Dismay: God instructs Joshua not to be afraid or dismayed. Fear and dismay can paralyze and hinder the fulfillment of God’s plans. By removing these, believers can fully trust in God’s provision and guidance.
  4. God’s Presence: The assurance that “the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest” is the cornerstone of this verse. God’s omnipresence means that Joshua, and by extension all believers, are never alone. This presence is a source of comfort, strength, and guidance.

Moral Thoughts and Takeaways:

  1. Faith in Divine Guidance: Joshua’s task was monumental, but his success was anchored in his obedience to God’s command and his unwavering faith in God’s presence. Believers are reminded to trust in God’s guidance in all aspects of life.
  2. Overcoming Fear with Faith: Fear is a natural human response, but this verse encourages believers to overcome fear by relying on God’s promises. Courage is not the absence of fear but the triumph over it through faith.
  3. God’s Ever-Present Help: The promise of God’s Presence is not limited to Joshua; it extends to all who believe. In every situation, no matter how daunting, God’s Presence provides peace and assurance.
  4. Steadfast Obedience: Just as Joshua was commanded to be strong and courageous, believers are called to steadfastly obey God’s commands, trusting that His plans are for their good.

Reflective Questions:

  1. In what areas of your life do you need to be reminded of God’s command to be strong and courageous?
  2. How can you actively overcome fear and dismay in your daily walk with God?
  3. In what ways have you experienced God’s presence guiding and comforting you in challenging times?
  4. How can you cultivate a deeper trust in God’s promises and guidance?

Supportive Scripture:

  1. Deuteronomy 31:6: “Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.”
  2. Isaiah 41:10: “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”
  3. Psalm 27:1: “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”
  4. Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

Prayer:

“LORD, as we reflect on Your command to be strong and of a good courage, we ask for Your strength to fill our hearts. Help us to overcome fear and dismay, knowing that You are with us whithersoever we go. Guide us, LORD, in every step we take. May Your Presence be our source of comfort and assurance, especially in times of uncertainty and challenge. Teach us to trust in Your promises and to walk in steadfast obedience to Your will. We lift our hearts in praise and gratitude, confident that Your plans for us are good, and Your love is everlasting. Keep us strong in faith and courageous in spirit, that we may fulfill the purpose You have set before us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

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DEAR GOD: I Move Forward In The Face Of Adversity~

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Trusting in God and Moving Forward in the Face of Fear

Introduction

Life is filled with moments of uncertainty and fear. Whether it’s a health diagnosis, financial instability, or personal loss, these challenges can leave us feeling overwhelmed and paralyzed. However, as Christians, we are called to trust in God and move forward, even when the path ahead seems daunting. This essay explores the importance of trusting in God during scary times, supported by scripture, moral reflections, and practical takeaways.

Trusting in God’s Promises

The Bible is replete with promises that assure us of God’s presence and support. One such promise is found in Isaiah 41:10: “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” This verse reminds us that God is always with us, ready to provide strength and support in our times of need.

Another powerful scripture is found in Psalm 46:1-3: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.” This passage reassures us that no matter how chaotic our circumstances may seem, God is our constant refuge and source of strength.

Moral Reflections

Trusting in God requires a deep sense of surrender and faith. It means letting go of our need to control every aspect of our lives and allowing God to guide us. This can be particularly challenging when we face situations that evoke fear and uncertainty. However, it is in these moments that our faith is tested and strengthened.

Reflecting on the story of Peter walking on water (Matthew 14:22-33), we see a powerful example of trust and fear. When Peter kept his eyes on Jesus, he was able to walk on water. But the moment he focused on the storm around him, he began to sink. This story teaches us that our focus should remain on God, not on the fears and challenges that surround us.

Takeaway Views

  1. God’s Presence: Remember that God is always with us, even in the darkest times. His presence is a source of comfort and strength.
  2. Faith Over Fear: Choose faith over fear. Trust that God has a plan for your life, even when you cannot see the way forward.
  3. Surrender Control: Let go of the need to control every situation. Trust that God is in control and that His plans are for your good.

Meditative Scriptures

  • Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
  • Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Reflective Questions

  1. What fears are you currently facing, and how can you surrender them to God?
  2. How has God shown His faithfulness in your life during past challenges?
  3. What steps can you take to strengthen your trust in God daily?

 Closing Prayer

“Dear Heavenly Father, in times of fear and uncertainty, help us to trust in Your promises and to keep our eyes fixed on You. Strengthen our faith and give us the courage to move forward, knowing that You are with us every step of the way. We surrender our fears and anxieties to You, trusting that Your plans for us are good. Fill us with Your peace and guide us in Your ways. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.”

Christianity Today

In today’s world, where fear and uncertainty often dominate the headlines, it is more important than ever to anchor our trust in God. By doing so, we can navigate life’s challenges with confidence and hope, knowing that we are never alone.

Takeaway Thought for the Day

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.” – Proverbs 3:5. Let this verse be a reminder to place your trust in God, even when the path ahead is unclear. With Him, you can face any challenge with courage and faith.

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DEAR GOD: I Have No Fear – YOU Are Here!

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Wisdom of Life.: Looking for the perfect love....Fear, Faith, and the Love of God

Fear is a common human emotion that can be both protective and paralyzing at once. It arises from the anticipation of danger, whether real or imagined. Yet, in the spiritual realm, fear often stems from uncertainty and the feeling of being alone in the face of life’s trials. However, the love of God is presented in the Holy Bible through scriptures as our ultimate antidote to fear. It is through Christ and His love and His power we can assume our lives in peace, free from fear – or wrestle ourselves away from those emotions, through His love and His promises.

“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.” – 1 John 4:18 (ESV)

  This scripture encapsulates the transformative power of His Holy and Divine love. It suggests that fear is linked to the expectation of judgment, but God’s love, being perfect and complete, dispels all traces of fear. It’s not just the absence of fear but the presence of something much greater love. It is His Presence in our life, and His Spirit that dwells within each of us as believers to overcome and to forge forward with resilience and confidence.

The Moral of Divine Love

The moral lesson here is that embracing the love of God encourages us to move beyond our fears, and through His strength and His Power we are set free from it. It teaches us that we are not alone, that we are loved unconditionally, and that there is a higher purpose to our lives, through God our Father Almighty. He has a plan and will for each of us while we are here on earth. This understanding will liberate us from the chains of fear, allowing us to live more fully and courageously, but only through Christ, and Christ alone can this be done, not by ourselves.

Reflective Questions

  1. How can we cultivate a deeper sense of God’s love in our daily lives?
  2. In what ways does fear affect our relationship with God and others?
  3. What steps can we take to replace fear with faith in God’s plan for us?

Prayer In Unity

“Dear Heavenly Father, we come before You to seek refuge from our fears. May Your perfect love fill our hearts and cast away the shadows of doubt and all of our anxiety. Guide us with Your wisdom, and let Your presence be our constant comfort, while You protect, and love us all unconditionally in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

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Final Pondering Thoughts

 As mortals -fear is a natural part of the human experience, but it doesn’t and shouldn’t overtake any of us. Through faith and the love of God, we always will overcome our fears and live with a sense of peace and purpose. Let us hold onto the promise that God’s love is powerful, and He alone can and will wipe out all fear, leading us into a life of freedom and joy, by His Love, Blood and His promise in the Word!

DEAR GOD: No Need to Fear You Are Near~

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Do Not Be Afraid - Kristen WelchJeremiah 1:8–Be not afraid of their faces for I am with thee to deliver thee; saith the LORD.

 

 

The saying 'Be afraid, be very afraid' - meaning and origin.Fear? With God nearby?  How is that even possible?

Well, it does happen because it is a human physiological response. It’s a part of being mortal.  Our spirits are encased by this thing we call “flesh” and therefore subject to those emotions.

What about those of us who are Christians and feeling a sense of guilt when such feelings arise? Are we not Christians? Are we not believers in the LORD and His Presence?

NO!  It doesn’t mean that at all. Simply put, God made us and crafted us with His brilliance, and we are fine pieces of “machinery” so to speak.  God knew what He was doing when giving us life.

From eyelashes that keep our eyes safe, a heart that beats and supplies blood to our bodies, with blood cells that are complex each one taking care of issues, like our immune system, liver to cleanse toxins, and vital organs carrying oxygen throughout our bodies, a woman having a womb carrying a baby until birth, etc., etc., etc.

So too did He supply us with emotions. Love, anger, and fear are emotions that come and go. They wade through us much like the tides at the shoreline. Sometimes the tide is high, sometimes it’s low. So too our emotions.

Fear has its place. It can stop us from catastrophic type behavior. Saving us from situations that would otherwise be life threatening.  It can hold us in place to a point where we fall to our knees and look to God for His help.  And on our knees is where we put our best emotions into play surrendering to Him in prayer.

So NO, you are not sinning if you experience fear!  We need to pray harder and look to God and His wisdom at this time in particular. Where we have to trust in Him fully and know that He will help us in good times and bad.

The promises of God are our reassurance and undoubtedly brings comfort to our heart and soul. In Jeremiah chapter one, God is speaking to Jeremiah and reminding him of how He is with him. No matter what.  He instructs Jeremiah, guides him, and continuously encourages him not to fear.

Guess what? His words and promises have never expired. In fact, He extends His grace and love to all of us this very day and very moment! So, all of those words of comfort and encouragement are for us as well.

Amazing!

Thank you, LORD!

 

“Father, thank You for Your provisions, protection, love and grace, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

 

 

Jeremiah 1:19

“And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I am with thee, saith the LORD, to deliver thee.”