Second in the series on Fear Not in an age of fear and anxiety.
You drew near on the day I called on You, And said, “Do not fear!"
Lamentations 3:57, New King James Version
Fear for fun?
Fear and Halloween seem to go together. For many it's the opportunity to watch horror movies, decorate with ghoulish flair, don a costume, or prowl nervously through a haunted house. Seeking fear for the enjoyment and scariness of it all.
As someone who struggles with fear, I strive to avoid opportunities to feel more fear. I'm not a fan of Halloween other than the cute kids' costumes and excited faces of those proffering a plastic pumpkin while exclaiming, "Trick-or-Treat." Handing out treats is fun! Fear is not…at least not for me.
Fear Not.
God tells us, "Fear Not" a lot! It's a frequent refrain in the verses of the Bible. When God or angels he sends to talk to people proclaim, "Fear not," it often carries the sense of "stop being afraid." (Good because if you're already afraid saying, "Don't be afraid" is of little help.) Stop being afraid sounds great to me! "Yes Lord, take away this fear."
In Lamentations, the Prophet Jeremiah, talks about suffering, hardships and fear. When we catch up with him in Chapter 3, he has been recounting the struggles of his country, his people as well as his own. In Lamentations 3:53, jailed and in despair he cries out, "They silenced my life in the pit and threw stones at me." In His anguish he cries out to the LORD who answers him. Often in our deepest fear, there is no-one to reach out to except Jesus!
They silenced my life in the pitAnd threw stones at me. The waters flowed over my head;I said, “I am cut off!” I called on Your name, O LORD
From the lowest pit. You have heard my voice:"Do not hide Your ear from my sighing, from my cry for help.”You drew near on the day I called on You,And said, “Do not fear!”O Lord, You have pleaded the case for my soul;You have redeemed my life.Lamentations 3: 53 - 58, NKJV
Are you afraid? Dealing with fear? God has an answer, "Stop being afraid (Fear not)." How can we stop being afraid? It takes calling out to Him and realizing He is with you! Right there. With you! Nothing is bigger than God. He can handle your fear and everything that causes it. You might still feel afraid but you don't have to BE afraid.
#FearNot
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