Walk Without Fear
Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:6
Joshua 1:6
What does it mean to walk without fear?
As Lori and I have sat at the kitchen table to discuss this concept of fear and how it can consume our lives, we have been reminded of the lessons God has taught us through our experiences. Seeing those through the perspective of His Word and our relationship with Him has been a great reminder and personal encouragement for us both as we seek to walk forward facing our fears. I am hoping it will encourage you as well!
Fear - phobeo - to frighten, terrify, alarm; to be seized with fear; to fear to do something, hesitate; in regard to the Lord, meaning to reverence God, to stand in awe of God.
Here are some of Lori's insights on walking without fear learned during her experience with Blair's illness:
"For me, it means that I will not waste time worrying about the "what ifs." What if my child is in an auto accident? What if my spouse is diagnosed with a life threatening illness? What if one of us loses their job and we can't pay our bills?
This doesn't mean I never worry, but I have to consciously take every thought captive and replace lies with the truth. The Enemy of our souls would like us to think that the sky is falling and we are weak and defenseless victims, but the truth is, those things probably won't happen, but if they do, my God is there, He is able, and He is everything I need.
Walking without fear also means that I will not allow fear to keep me from stepping out and doing the things I want and need to do." -Lori Fink
There are so many verses and passages in God's Word that speak to fear. To be honest with you, I'm still knee deep in my study on fear in God's Word. And even at this point I can tell you it could be an eight-week study all on it's own! But I'll share a few insights on what I've observed and learned so far.
Reading through Scripture we find people who were fearful. Fearful of their current circumstances, fearful of an uncertain future, fearful of approaching enemies, fearful of a daunting task to which God had called them. There is not enough room to share all those stories in this devotion. However, I did discover a common thread running through them all -God's response to their fear:
Then He replied, "My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest. Exodus 33:14
Be strong and courageous; don't be terrified or afraid of them. For it is the Lord your God who goes with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6
Don't be terrified of them, for the Lord your God, a great and awesome God, is among you. Deuteronomy 7:19
Haven't I commanded you:be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9
This is what the Lord says: 'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast number, for the battle is not yours, but God's. You do not have to fight this battle. Position yourselves, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord. He is with you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Tomorrow, go out to face them, for Yahweh is with you.' 2 Chronicles 20:15-17
But immediately he [Jesus] spoke to them and said, "Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid." And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. Mark 6:50-51
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27
Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." So we can confidently say, "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me. Hebrews 13:5-6
God's presence is with us always. He will not leave or forsake us. His presence will give us rest and peace. God does not desire or intend for us to walk through our days in bondage to fear, whether it be fear of the future, uncertain circumstances, other people's opinions or trying something new. In Christ Jesus we have been set free to live fully for the glory of God knowing that He is with us every step of the way and we are secure for eternity in Him!
Our part? Believing and placing our trust in Him day by day, moment by moment. Whenever fear strikes, we call out to the One who brings us security and peace. Whenever I find myself paralyzed by fear, I will often quote God's Word and remind myself of Who He is and that I am His! It's amazing the peace that floods my soul.
When I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not fear. What can man do to me? Psalm 56:3-4
Fill your minds with beauty and truth and Walk Free!
Susan Cady is a Women of Warren Bible Study teacher and a speaker for All For His Glory Ministries. To read more devotionals from Susan visit her website.
