Last night I was talking with a group of friends and I reminded them that the Lord is committed to our peace.
All through Scripture we are instructed to fear not – be not afraid. Fear is the enemy of faith and it is the robber of peace.
“For God did not give us a spirit of fear. He gave us a spirit of power and of love and of a good mind.” II Timothy 1:7 NLV
In the beginning, man was created “fear free” but once they were deceived by the serpent they became “fear full”.
“Then they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the evening. The man and his wife hid themselves from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. 9 But the Lord God called to the man. He said to him, “Where are you?” 10 And the man said, “I heard the sound of You in the garden. I was afraid because I was without clothes. So I hid myself.” Genesis 3:8-10 NLV
God dispelled that fear and reassuringly covered them with His love and protection.
“ And the Lord God made clothes of skins for Adam and his wife, and dressed them.” Genesis 3:21 NLV
The blood that was shed for their sin came from an animal; the blood that covers ours comes from Christ. It’s that total forgiveness that brings us peace.
“Now that we have been made right with God by putting our trust in Him, we have peace with Him. It is because of what our Lord Jesus Christ did for us. 2 By putting our trust in God, He has given us His loving-favor and has received us. We are happy for the hope we have of sharing the shining-greatness of God.” Romans 5:1-2 NLV
When fear bombards us, and it will, how do we combat it?
“Keep your minds thinking about things in heaven. Do not think about things on the earth. ” Colossians 3:2 NLV
“ Be full of joy always because you belong to the Lord. Again I say, be full of joy! 5 Let all people see how gentle you are. The Lord is coming again soon. 6 Do not worry. Learn to pray about everything. Give thanks to God as you ask Him for what you need. 7 The peace of God is much greater than the human mind can understand. This peace will keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7 NLV
If there was anyone in the Bible who knew what it was like to be assailed by fear it would be Paul. He had been stoned and left for dead, beaten, imprisoned, shipwrecked, threatened, lashed with 39 stripes and many other perils. (Read II Corinthians 11) In spite of it all, he is the one who penned those words above.
He knew that having a heart of gratitude for God’s goodness and love drives out fear and brings peace to any situation.
“Be full of joy all the time. 17 Never stop praying. 18 In everything give thanks. This is what God wants you to do because of Christ Jesus.” I Thessalonians 5:16-18 NLV
Be grateful, be filled with God’s joy and peace!