Strength and Courage, Part 30

The Bible says so many times not to be afraid, that there's a different reference for every day of the year.  Here are five of them.

"Be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God."  Philippians 4:6 (NAS)

It sounds too simplistic, but seriously, when your mindset is one of gratitude, anxiety shrivels.  Not just a few occasional moments of thankfulness, but a lifestyle of appreciation.

"just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, and you have become her children if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear."  1 Peter 3:6 (NAS)

When you're doing what's right, you don't have to be concerned about getting caught, found out, or punished.

"But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed.  And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled,"  1 Peter 3:14 (NAS)

Many people throughout history have suffered for the sake of righteousness.  If you're afraid of that, read the whole third chapter of 1 Peter.  Read Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.  Paul wrote those letters in prison.

"casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you."  1 Peter 5:7 (NAS)

This is preceded by instructions to humble yourself under the mighty hand of God.  Casting your anxiety on Him isn't possible without humbling yourself under His mighty hand first.  This is also a lifestyle, not a one-time event.

"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love."  1 John 4:18 (NAS)

Read the entire fourth chapter of 1 John.  When you're soaked like a teabag in love and truth, there's no room left for fear.

Strength and Courage, Part 29

Let's look at another five of the 365 "don't be afraid" references in the Bible.

"But Paul went down and fell upon him, and after embracing him, he said, 'Do not be troubled, for his life is in him.'"  Acts 20:10 (NAS)

Paul preached so long that a young guy dozed off on a window sill and fell to his death, but the Lord restored him to life.

"For this very night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood before me, saying, 'Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar; and behold, God has granted you all those who are sailing with you.'"Acts 27:23-24 (NAS)

Paul was given hope from God to share with his shipmates on a difficult voyage.  When we sail rough seas, we tend to wish for a message like this from a man like that.  Instead, work at your own relationship with God so you can hear directly from Him.  Be the one to share His encouragement with your co-travelers.

"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,"  Romans 5:1 (NAS)

Live like someone whose life has been saved.  You are.

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."  Philippians 4:6 (NAS)

Self explanatory, right?  Don't blow off the "with thanksgiving" part.  Gratitude and anxiety are polar opposites.  They can't coexist.

"so that we confidently say, 'The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid.  What will man do to me?'"  Hebrews 13:6 (NAS)

This verse has a precursor; "Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, 'I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,'" so there's no room for fear, anxiety or depression when we acknowledge with gratitude that we have an all-powerful God Who is for us, not against us.

Strength and Courage, Part 28

Welcome to another five of the Bible's 365 "don't be afraid" references.

"But He said to them, 'It is I; do not be afraid.'"  John 6:20 (NAS)

This is John's account of Jesus walking on the water, and His response to His terrified friends' reaction.  Responding is usually better than reacting.

"Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your King is coming, seated on a donkey's colt."  John 12:15 (NAS)

Jesus was fulfilling a prophecy from the book of Zechariah.  Trust God to do what He says He'll do.

"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.  Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful."  John 14:27 (NAS)

Peace from God is sometimes an absence of common problems due to a lifestyle of keeping His rules, but also is often a deep sense of reassurance even in the middle of desperate circumstances.

"These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace.  In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world."  John 16:33 (NAS)

Jesus already knew He was about to be sacrificed for humanity and that His closest friends would abandon Him.  He told them (and us) ahead of time to trust in Him even when things look horrible and hopeless.  God has things under control whether we feel like it or not.  Nothing takes Him by surprise.

"And the Lord said to Paul in the night by a vision, 'Do not be afraid any longer, but go on speaking and do not be silent;'"  Acts 18:9 (NAS)

Keep preaching.  Keep going where He sends you and doing what He tells you no matter what, until and unless He tells you to stop.

Strength and Courage, Part 27

The Bible says 365 times to not be afraid.  Here are five of them, four of which are even from the same chapter.

"But when Jesus heard this, He answered him, 'Do not be afraid any longer; only believe, and she will be made well.'"  Luke 8:50 (NAS)

Jairus, a synagogue official, came looking for healing for his ill daughter, but word came that it was too late.  Turns out, it wasn't too late for Jesus, and He brought her back to life and health.

"I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have no more that they can do."  Luke 12:4 (NAS)

Don't get too caught up in this life.  It's temporary, and pretty short compared to eternity.  Learn what really matters in life, and prioritize accordingly.

"Indeed, the very hairs of your head are numbered.  Do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows."  Luke 12:7 (NAS)

Jesus said that even sparrows aren't forgotten by God.  When you feel like God forgot you, double check.  Maybe you're the one who forgot Him.

"When they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not worry about how or what you are to speak in your defense, or what you are to say; for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say."  Luke 12:11-12 (NAS)

Learn to distinguish His voice from all others so when He talks to you, you'll hear it clearly.

"Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom."  Luke 12:32 (NAS)

If worry or anxiety are an issue for you, read Luke 12:22-32 until there's no more issue.  Nobody wants to believe that the solution is that simple, but it truly is.