THANKFUL

Chatting with Jesus

Thursday, August 18, 2022

Lord, this is so much like You, putting the mandate “don’t be afraid” 365 times in Your Word. Just a daily reminder that as Christ-followers, we need not fear since You are our God, and You have our backs. We’re encouraged by this truth from Isaiah which sums up Your “fear not” canon nicely: “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand,” (Isaiah 41:10).

That is not to say Christ-followers are never afraid. Fear likes to play the “What if” game too. I have been afraid many times. Sometimes from daring to step out in obedience to Your leading, Lord. Other times from problems caused by my what-were-you-thinking, bone-headed choices.

What Your Word is saying to us is fear does not have to dominate our lives, affecting our actions, suppressing our desires to live all-in for You. Pastor Rick Warren stated clearly how “fear is a self-imposed prison that will keep you from becoming what God intends for you to be.” Oh, my. How many times has this phrase described me?

Be my confidence, Lord. Help me shed any fear causing me to miss what You have for me. For every person You create You have a plan for their life (Psalm 139:13–16). That includes me, and all who read this message.

Lord, as You hold us with Your victorious right hand, let us declare in faith fear will not stop us from reaching our God-planned destiny.  Because we can trust You, Jesus, we pray this in Your authority, Amen.