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.
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