FEAR NOT!

When I was single I was broken into in Charlotte and thankfully I was already getting ready to move. When I got married and moved to Greensboro, we were broken into. At that time Mike was in management at UPS and worked late. I was home alone in the evening and I was scared! If someone knocked on the door I was scared to answer and I was scared not to answer because then they might come on in! I mentioned this was my second break in and that I could not afford an alarm system and the police officer told me a dog would be better. Mike and I, both, worked full time and did not need a pet. That night as I laid in bed I was so fearful! As I quietened down, I realized that the greatest protection I could have was right there with me! That was one of the first big lessons of faith for me as an adult. I did not spend much time with God but every night I asked Him to watch over our house as we slept. I was never scared again. I was learning to trust!

Many people are fearful today with all that is going on in our world. Isaiah 41: 10-13, "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish. Though you search for your enemies, you will not find them. Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all. For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you."

During this time we need to hear that God is still in control. We need to remember that this world is not over until He says so! It is not a time to give up, it is a time to wait and watch God work. Seek Him. Corrie ten Boom said, “When the train goes through a tunnel and the world gets dark, do you jump out? Of course not. You sit still and trust the engineer to get you through.” We are to trust God through these dark times. He is still there and will not leave us! Deuteronomy 31: 6, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13: 5, "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'”

“Fear not” is not meant to shame but be a response to fear. "Fear not" invites us to draw near to God. To be in His presence and go into the world with this confidence. Because God is our God, threats that surround us can ultimately do us no real harm. We will be ok because God is our Protector! We just have to trust Him! God did not say that there wouldn't be tough times but He said He would help us!

I saw this quote, "20/20 is considered perfect vision. Maybe God is using 2020 for us to see clearly that He's in charge and the only one who can help us!" Just as God said to Israel, He is saying to us today. In the midst of life's storms, God wants us to remember that the Lord IS our God! He WILL hold us and guide us through our entire life. We do not have to fear because He IS with us! He WILL help us! Where does our help come from? Psalm 121: 1-2, "I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." God can be trusted to keep His promises! Rejoice because God is near!