Do Not Fear

Read with me, “This is what I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt. And my Spirit remains among you. Do not fear.” Haggai 2:5

It is ultimately significant that God would include a state of fearless living in His covenant with us. Imagine you are recently delivered from bondage, and God in understanding reminds you – through lasting covenant – to not be afraid. He knew then, and He knows still the need of reminding “do not be afraid.”  It is imperative we remind ourselves that we are held inside a covenant of fearless love. When faced with challenges, we are able to draw from a reserve of nondepletable love that sustains. Psalm 23 reminds us that even though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death to fear no evil, because you are protected and comforted. In the face of evil and adversity we press on to what lies ahead, and do not allow fear to steal ground from us –  Philippians 3:12-14  Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. We will always move towards what we focus on, that is why it is important to always have His love and sacrifice before our eyes. Sometimes we need to take the focus off the challenge and turn our eyes toward the One who already won. When we approach Him, we are more than allowed to ask Him for guidance and assistance. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7. Again, do not be afraid, but ask! Pray and ask, and thank Him for who He is and all He has done for you.

It helps to find a verse that speaks to your fear and quote it as you pray, allow your faith to be stirred as you hear and speak the truth of His heart about you and your situation. Today, as you face various situations that might evoke fearfulness, say out loud, “I am in the hollow of His hand, He is for me, I will not fear, I am more than an overcomer, His love and mercy protects and upholds me.” Trust in His word, it is effective and active. When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? Psalm 56:3-4 His word is an effective tool against fear and depression, because it doesn’t return void. When we read, quote and stand on the word it bears fruit in the form of hope restored, deliverance from fear, overcoming the enemy, victory in our minds, and expectation of good outcomes.

Fear is the language of the enemy. Fear is the tool he uses to manipulate us, steal our time with worry and procrastination, cause us to miss out on good things by not showing up, and believe the lies of insufficiency, inferiority, and mediocrity. The truth? DO NOT FEAR. You are made in the image of the Most High, clothed in righteousness, set apart, appointed for good works, called and empowered sufficiently to face whatever comes your way. Nothing thrown your way is too big for Him. Know today that you are loved and accepted. Let this truth stir you to boldness and action. Believe and rejoice in the truth of His word, you have been redeemed from the curse of sin and death, you have the favor. Go and do, show up and live beautiful life in the light of the Son.

Psalm 23:4

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Lamentations 3:57

You came near when I called you, and you said, “Do not fear.”