Do Not Fear…

We are weak.

Yes, even you, bodybuilder running on the treadmill as you read this. Do you even lift, bro? All kidding aside, think about every little decision you make throughout the day—from the big decisions of choosing to apply for a job or not, to the little ones like what kind of milk should you buy. Is that decision made based on your fear?

Are you afraid that buying regular milk opposed to organic milk will spoil faster? Are you afraid that you are not qualified for a job so you choose not to apply? Are you afraid to go outside because you’re worrying about contracting COVID-19? Are you afraid to vote for a different political party candidate because their opponent tells you to fear for your lives if they get elected?

All legitimate concerns. No one is above fear. Every hero ever written about—fictional or non-fictional—always has a moment of fear and/or uncertainty. It’s a human flaw. Especially in the COVID-19 World, how can you not give in to fear? A person without fear is a person afraid to admit that they are indeed, afraid.

I’m afraid. I’m afraid that no one will read this blog, lol.

But God…

But I called on your name, Lord, from deep within the pit. You heard me when I cried, “Listen to my pleading! Hear my cry for help!” Yes, you came when I called; you told me, “Do not fear.” Lamentations 3: 55-57 NLT

Sounds good, right? But wait, there’s more!

He continues: Lord, you have come to my defense; you have redeemed my life. You have seen the wrong they have done to me, Lord. Be my judge, and prove me right. You have seen the vengeful plots my enemies have laid against me. Lord, you have heard the vile names they call me. You know all about the plans they have made. My enemies whisper and mutter as they plot against me all day long. Look at them! Whether they sit or stand, I am the object of their mocking songs. Pay them back, Lord, for all the evil they have done. Give them hard and stubborn hearts, and then let your curse fall on them! Chase them down in your anger, destroying them beneath the Lord’s heavens.” Lamentations 3: 58-66

Pretty intense, am I right? I encourage you to read this chapter of Lamentations in its entirety to get the full context of these words. Lamentations is believed to have been written by the Prophet Jeremiah. Lamenting is the act of expressing grief. This grief is the the despair of Jerusalem and her people following the destruction of the city by the Babylonians. Imagine your entire world being destroyed. The Israelites were a conquered people. Relocated to a land not their own. They had suffered and struggled to be free of enslavement from Egypt and fought for the Promised Land when they reached it. Now their nation—the House of David—was destroyed.

But God…

Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. Ephesians 6: 10-11 ESV

Fear God alone, my brothers and sisters. Let go of worldly fears and trust in His strength, for there is no one stronger. Constantly, you hear God speak to us in His word, DO NOT FEAR.

Do not fear the king of Babylon, of whom you are afraid. Do not fear him, declares the Lord, for I am with you, to save you and to deliver you from his hand. Jeremiah 42:11 ESV

But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not fear, only believe.” Mark 5:36 ESV

But Jesus on hearing this answered him, “Do not fear; only believe, and she will be well.” Luke 8:50 ESV

“I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do.” Luke 12:4 ESV

I could go on an on. When we find ourselves weak—which happens all the time—find strength in He who never weakens. The Lord is always strong. He will lighten your burden, just place your lives in His hands and watch what He will do. You are a child of God. He loves you! Do not fear.

The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning. Lamentations 3: 22-23 NLT