Say No To Fear - Friday Praise & Pray (for others) November 17, 2023
We live in uncertain times. Often, a person goes to bed only to wake to a completely different world. In the span of a few hours, wars have sprung up, natural disasters have leveled cities, and artificial intelligence has cost tens of thousands their jobs.
That is more than enough reason to make people anxious. After all, they have no idea what they will wake up to in the morning. And as anxiety mounts, the spirit of fear creeps in and settles into the minds and hearts of people. They are left unsettled with no sense of security or stability. All of this is the devil's design.
God, on the other hand, has instructed His own to have no fear. This is a command and not a suggestion. In fact, it can be found all over the Bible. When God said to have no fear, He meant it and as such, a child of God is in rebellion when they allow fear to overwhelm them. Granted, the Lord never said there wouldn't be cause to be afraid. He has, however, assured His people that there is no need for them to succumb to that fear.
Specifically, He said in Genesis 26:24 - ...Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bless you. Sadly, it is easy to forget this promise, especially when all one sees are fires that need to be put out. And yet, God expects His own to remember that He has promised to never leave their side (Deuteronomy 31:8). He also expects His own to remember that "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." (Isaiah 43:2).
It takes time to learn some of God's promises given that there are so many. It also takes time to learn how to fling these verses as wordstones at every challenging situation. Nevertheless, these things must be done and the more we practice, the more proficient we become. Jesus said to His detractors in Mark 12:24 - Are you not in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God? This is a condition we don't want for ourselves. Thus, studying the Word is not optional, particularly in these dark times when troubles wait at every corner to steal our confidence in the Lord.
God expects those who believe in Him to remember His miraculous works and know that what He's done before, He will do again, plus more. His children must look past the raging storms of life, and invite Him into their boat so that the seas will calm around them. He has told us to set our fears aside and pray because then, things happen. He has said that His glory rises upon us and that makes a difference. He has promised the fullness of life to those who want it.
Many in the world seek out 'mantras' (which stem from Hinduism) and watch subliminal videos (which are popular in the occult and New Age practice) to gain peace. However, there is no lasting peace for anyone who fails to lean on God and strive for a righteous life that pleases Him. Ignoring Him for other solutions allows fear to be entrenched in a person's life because the spirit of fear only bows to the name of Jesus which brings the power and presence of the Lord.
Therefore, remember what He has promised and proclaim it over the situation threatening to fill you with fear - Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bless you. Keep saying it until you know it to be true and see it come to pass. God cannot ignore His word and He will surely show up to fulfill it.
Do you have any Bible verses you rely on when confronted by fear? Kindly share, so others can add more wordstones (scriptures) to their arsenal when resisting satan. Then, we'll gather at Noon EST to praise our God and pray for other people. God bless you.
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