Strength and Courage, Part 11

"Their houses are safe from fear,

And the rod of God is not on them."  Job 21:9 (NAS)

Job is referring to evil people who appear to flourish instead of coming to punishment.  It does seem that way at times.  We need to remember that in the end, everyone will have to give an answer.

"I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people

Who have set themselves against me round about."  Psalm 3:6 (NAS)

God against "ten thousands of people" wins.  He did create them, after all, so who's more powerful?

"In peace I will both lie down and sleep

For You alone, O Lord, make me to dwell in safety."  Psalm 4:8 (NAS)

Can anything be more comforting than that?

"I will bless the Lord who has counseled me;

Indeed, my mind instructs me in the night.

I have set the Lord continually before me;

Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken

Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoices:

My flesh also will dwell securely."  Psalm 16:7-9 (NAS)

It's interesting to note the personal action in this passage: "I have set the Lord continually before me." and pay attention to what's happening when we are sinking in fear.  Have we set the Lord continually before us?

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for you are with me;" Psalm 23:4 (NAS)

It's not always that there isn't something to be afraid of, it's that we have God with us, and He's bigger than whatever we fear.

Strength and Courage, Part 10

"'You need not fight in this battle; station yourselves, stand and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.'  Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out to face them, for the Lord is with you."  2 Chronicles 20:17 (NAS)

On this particular occasion God sent word that He Himself would come through for His people in this war, and they listened and believed, and He did not disappoint.

"Be strong and courageous, do not fear or be dismayed because of the king of Assyria nor because of all the horde that is with him; for the one with us is greater than the one with him."  2 Chronicles 32:7 (NAS)

Hezekiah's kingdom was under attack by the superpower of his time, but he had the sense to look to the Lord rather than the most hated and feared army of that day.  His faith was rewarded.

"When I saw their fear, I rose and spoke to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people: 'Do not be afraid of them; remember the Lord who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives and your houses.'"  Nehemiah 4:14 (NAS)

God had set Nehemiah and his people on a specific task.  Nehemiah prayed to God and then encouraged the people when they were badgered, terrorized, threatened, and harassed, came up with a plan, refused to give up, and ultimately succeeded.

"You will be hidden from the scourge of the tongue,

And you will not be afraid of the violence when it comes."  Job 5:21 (NAS)

Eliphaz implies that Job's troubles originated from Job's bad behavior--which the first chapter has revealed to be untrue--and seems to indicate that Job can save himself by fessing up.  There are some elements of truth in what Eliphaz has to say, but if you're going to approach someone with this kind of sermon, you'd better be sure it's by the Holy Spirit's leading and not your own idealism.

"Then, indeed, you could lift up your face without moral defect,

And you would be steadfast and not fear."  Job 11:15 (NAS)

Zophar advises Job to abandon his misdeeds.  Overall a decent rule of thumb.  Later though, we find out God wasn't impressed with Job's friends' treatment of Job during Job's time of distress.  Be a little more compassionate with people in their dejection, and keep your eyes on Jesus, not your own efforts, as our Deliverer from wrongdoing and from hardship.

Strength and Courage, Part 9

"Isaiah said to them, 'Thus you shall say to your master, "Thus says the Lord, 'Do not be afraid because of the words that you have heard, with which the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed Me,'"'" 2 Kings 19:6 (NAS)

When Hezekiah was threatened by a powerful enemy, he asked God for help.  God answered.

"Gedaliah swore to them and their men and said to them, 'Do not be afraid of the servants of the Chaldeans; live in the land and serve the king of Babylon, and it will be well with you.'"  2 Kings 25:24 (NAS)

Gedaliah tried to reassure his people after he was made governor by a conquering king.  Things didn't end well for him.  He should have urged his people to trust in God instead of the king of Babylon.

"Then you will prosper, if you are careful to observe the statutes and the ordinances which the Lord commanded Moses concerning Israel.  Be strong and courageous, do not fear nor be dismayed."  1 Chronicles 22:13 (NAS)

Excellent advice from David to Solomon, his son and successor.

"Then David said to his son Solomon, 'Be strong and courageous, and act; do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord God, my God is with you.  He will not fail you nor forsake you until all the work for the service of the house of the Lord is finished."  1 Chronicles 28:20 (NAS)

David encouraged and reassured Solomon as the kingdom was passing down to him.

"and he said, 'Listen, all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat; thus says the Lord to you, "Do not fear or be dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but God's."'"  2 Chronicles 20:15 (NAS)

When Jehoshaphat's kingdom was under attack, he was afraid but his first reaction was to pray.  God listened.  He's listening to you too.