Do Not Be Afraid

poster used during World War II to raise British morale

So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” – Hebrews 13:6

Last week I looked at how Jesus had no fear. Thinking along these lines leaves us with the natural conclusion that we are to live without fear. Throughout the Bible God is constantly telling His friends not to be afraid.

• Abraham, do not be afraid. – Genesis 15:1
• Hagar, do not be afraid. – Genesis 21:17
• Isaac, do not be afraid. – Genesis 26:24
• Jacob, do not be afraid. – Genesis 46:3
• Moses, do not be afraid. – Numbers 21:34
• Joshua, do not be afraid. – Joshua 8:1 , 10:8, 11:6
• Gideon, do not be afraid. – Judges 6:23
• Elijah, do not be afraid. – 2 Kings 1:15
• Jeremiah, do not be afraid. – Jeremiah 1:8
• Daniel, do not be afraid. – Daniel 10:12, 10:19
• Zechariah, do not be afraid. – Luke 1:13
• Mary, do not be afraid. – Luke 1:30
• Joseph, do not be afraid. – Matthew 1:20
• Shepherds, do not be afraid. – Luke 2:10
• Paul, do not be afraid. – Acts 18:9

Each of these saints were either afraid of God or the situations they were being called into. Either case, the natural reaction was fear, and the automatic response from God was peace. We will never overcome this world if we are living in fear of it. We never fully love that which we fear. Remove all fear from your lives. Take on more of God’s love and peace.  Jesus has left us with peace that our hearts will be settled and we would not be afraid (John 14:27).

So do not fear
for I have redeemed you.
I have called you by name and you are mine.
Isaiah 43:1