Strength and Courage, Part 22

Here are three of the the Bible's do not fear references.

"so I have again purposed in these days to do good to Jerusalem and to the house of Judah.  Do not fear!"  Zechariah 8:15 (NAS)

The future of God's people is abundance and blessing.  Keep going.  Don't give up.

"'Then I will draw near to you for judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers and against the adulterers and against those who swear falsely, and against those who oppress the wage earner in his wages, the widow and the orphan, and those who turn aside the alien and do not fear Me,' says the Lord of hosts."  Malachi 3:5 (NAS)

This is definitely not the same kind of "do not fear" we've been talking about.  You'd better have a healthy and reverent fear of the Lord.  He's coming for you.  If you fear Him, you won't fear His coming.  If you don't fear Him, His coming will bring you terror.

"But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, 'Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.'"  Matthew 1:20 (NAS)

When the Lord gives you a purpose, He also gives you the courage.  Are you listening?  Do you know what purpose He has for you right now?  Will you take the courage He's offering you?

Strength and Courage, Part 21

The Bible gives 365 admonitions to not be afraid.  Here are five.

"He said, 'O man of high esteem, do not be afraid.  Peace be with you; take courage and be courageous!'  Now as soon as he spoke to me, I received strength and said, 'May my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.'"  Daniel 10:19 (NAS)

Daniel was privileged to see a terrifying future, but then was given the courage to take it in.

"Do not fear, O land, rejoice and be glad,

For the Lord has done great things.

Do not fear, beasts of the field,

For the pastures of the wilderness have turned green,

For the tree has borne its fruit,

The fig tree and the vine have yielded in full."  Joel 2:21-22 (NAS)

This is the Lord's response to repentance.

"In that day it will be said to Jerusalem:

'Do not be afraid, O Zion;

Do not let your hands fall limp.'"  Zephaniah 3:16 (NAS)

This again is a response to repentance.

"As for the promise which I made you when you came out of Egypt, My Spirit is abiding in your midst; do not fear."  Haggai 2:5 (NAS)

When God gives you a purpose (which He always does, are you listening?) He also gives you what you need to live up to the challenge.  Stop worrying and start serving.

"It will come about that just as you were a curse among the nations, O house of Judah and house of Israel, so I will save you that you may become a blessing.  Do not fear; let your hands be strong."  Zechariah 8:13 (NAS)

When you have submitted to His discipline and given yourself wholeheartedly to the work He has for you, you'll be in line for the blessings He has for you.  There won't be any room left for fear.