Fear Not: God Goes With You

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid. Do not be terrified. God does not want us to be afraid or alarmed; He wants us to trust in Him and find refuge in Him. We can rely and rest on God's promise that He will be with us wherever we go. The promise of God's constant presence is such a sweet assurance. God's presence makes all the difference in the world! It gives us comfort, courage, and confidence. God calls us to live courageously and fearlessly, knowing that He is with us at all times. We are emboldened by the promise and presence of God. God is all-sufficient!

"Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power." (Ephesians 6:10) Be strong mentally and spiritually. Put on the full armor of God (see Ephesians 6:11-17). Be courageous = To be brave-hearted, not faint-hearted. The key to courage is knowing who God is...who the Source of true courage is! We know not what the future holds but we know Who holds the future. Remember...even when things are out of control, God is still always in control. When we're in tight places and it seems there's no way out, God will make a way for us. When we're flummoxed and flabbergasted, God is forever faithful. What we deem impossible, it's a piece of cake for God. True courage comes from fearing God, rather than men, trusting God totally, and acknowledging God's sovereignty. Are you discouraged by the world's events or by circumstances in your own life? Take heart and be of courage! "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31b) Rely on God's grace, power, and strength. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. When God is pleased to work through us, nothing will be able to stop us. Don't give up and don't lose heart; God is here to help you and guide you. He who sends you will strengthen you. He who calls you will equip you.

Do not be afraid or terrified. In life, we face many problems, challenges, and difficulties but we need not fear any. God is greater than any giants (including COVID-19). God has never forsaken/abandoned those who seek Him and He never will. God is always present with us even when we don't feel His presence. We are never alone. Whenever God's Word says, "Do not be afraid", it often includes the promise of God's presence ("...For I am with you"). Such a caring & comforting promise! Do not be afraid; God's got this! To overcome fear, we must fully trust God and rest in His unfailing love for us. "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." (2 Timothy 1:7) 

"He is with His people . . .
  as a Father--loving and holding communion with them; 
  as the Lord Almighty--having all power to help them; 
  as a Guide--to wisely lead them; 
  as an Advocate--to plead their cause; 
  as a Friend--to supply and comfort them; 
  as a Savior--to deliver and protect them; 
  as a holy, sin-hating God--to purify them!" (James Smith)

Prayer: Thank You, Abba Father, for Your constant, comforting presence! Please give me strength, courage and boldness and take away any fear, worry, or discouragement so that I may obey You, serve You, and live for You with no compromise. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.