Not Afraid

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

Isaiah 41:10

AT THIS TIME OF YEAR, it’s hard to ignore all the scary stuff on TV, at the movies, and filling store shelves. In the United States, Christmas and Easter are still the most lucrative holidays, but Halloween is gaining fast. More than $8 billion will be spent this year on candy, costumes, and decorations.

Researchers say that one of the reasons people like feeling scared is that deep down they know there’s no real danger (the exception, of course, is feeling scared in a life-threatening situation). It’s more a sense of excitement than fear.

Instead of getting caught up in the macabre, grotesque, and scary this time of year, God wants us to focus on Him (just like at every other time). He doesn’t want us to live in fear. Jesus came to set us free from fear. In John 14:27, Jesus says, “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”

Because God is with us, we have no reason to fear. We may have moments of trepidation, but deep down we should know that with God on our side, we can live courageously. So when you face fear, stand out by living fearlessly. Be courageous. Be bold. Be excited. Make a difference for God. And maybe even celebrate Reformation Day instead!

BOTTOM LINE

Fear causes us to live small lives and miss out on opportunities that God brings our way. Ask Him to help you live fearlessly.

Moment of Strength: Psalm 118:6