Strength and Courage, Part 15

Here are another five of the Bible's "don't be afraid" references.

"You are not to say, 'It is a conspiracy!'

In regard to all that this people call a conspiracy,

And you are not to fear what they fear or be in dread of it."  Isaiah 8:12 (NAS)

When you live in the fear of the Lord, the Lord is the only thing you have to fear.

"Therefore thus says the Lord God of hosts, 'O My people who dwell in Zion, do not fear the Assyrian who strikes you with the rod and lifts up his staff against you, the way Egypt did.'"  Isaiah 10:24 (NAS)

God had a plan to punish the people who had punished His people.  Don't waste time keeping score; He's already doing that.

"Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid;

For the Lord God is my strength and song,

And He has become my salvation."  Isaiah 12:2 (NAS)

Self explanatory, yes?

"The cities of Aroer are forsaken;

They will be for the flocks to lie down in,

And there will be no one to frighten them."  Isaiah 17:2 (NAS)

Interesting to note that destruction caused by God's vengeance results in peace for the innocent.

"The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace,

Because he trusts in You."  Isaiah 26:3 (NAS)

Keeping your focus on the Lord puts an end to fear.

Strength and Courage, Part 14

Here are another five "Don't be afraid" verses.

"Oh that my ways may be established

To keep your statutes!

Then I shall not be ashamed

When I look upon all your commandments."  Psalm 119:5-6 (NAS)

Living right in the first place is far simpler than trying to cover up bad behavior.

"When you lie down, you will not be afraid;

When you lie down, your sleep will be sweet."  Proverbs 3:24 (NAS)

This is preceded by an admonishment to "keep sound wisdom and discretion," and it sounds like a repeat of the concept that right living is an anxiety deterrent.

"Do not be afraid of sudden fear

Nor of the onslaught of the wicked when it comes."  Proverbs 3:25 (NAS)

People who choose to continue on a bad path won't escape eventual punishment, but you will if you're not one of them.

"So then, banish anxiety from your heart and cast off the troubles of your body, for youth and vigor are meaningless."  Ecclesiastes 11:10 (NIV)

Leave it to the cynical book of Ecclesiastes to issue a sharp reminder that life's too short to waste on fear.

"and say to him, 'Take care and be calm, have no fear and do not be fainthearted because of these two stubs of smoldering firebrands, on account of the fierce anger of Rezin and Aram and the son of Remaliah.'"  Isaiah 7:4 (NAS)

When you are on the path God laid out for you, anybody who tries to fight you is just a stub of smoldering firebrand.  Trust God.  Hold the line.

Strength and Courage, Part 13

The Bible contains enough "do not fear" references that there's one for every day of the year.

"When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You.

In God, whose word I praise,

In God I have put my trust;

I shall not be afraid.

What can mere man do to me?" Psalm 56:3-4 (NAS)

Always a good verse for perspective.

"In God I have put my trust, I shall not be afraid.  What can man do to me?"  Psalm 56:11 (NAS)

A repetition in case the message didn't sink in the first time.

"He led them safely, so that they did not fear;

But the sea engulfed their enemies."  Psalm 78:53 (NAS)

To clarify, the "He" in this allusion to the people of Israel being brought out of Egypt isn't Moses, it's God.

"He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him."  Psalm 91:15 (NAS)

Don't let your feelings trick you into believing you're alone.  Ask the Lord for help.  He's there.

"When my anxious thoughts multiply within me,

Your consolations delight my soul."  Psalm 94:19 (NAS)

If your anxious thoughts never multiply within you, I hope you remember to thank God for that.  But if you're like most of us, let's work at letting God's consolations delight our souls!