"Don’t Let Fear Stop You" (Part #1)

13, February 2017

"Don’t Let Fear Stop You" (Part #1)

‘Whom shall I fear?’ Psalm 27:1 NAS

Life is filled with fear-inducing situations: fear of sickness, unemployment, rejection, failure, other people’s opinions.  Left unchecked, fear will steal your inner peace.  But as Chuck Swindoll reminds us: ‘David met fear head-on at his front door with two questions. “Whom shall I dread?  Whom shall I fear? ” And he slammed the door in fear’s face by declaring, “My heart will not fear … I shall be confident” (Psalm 27:3). Then he walked back into his house, reminding himself how to counteract fear’s attacks.

Prayer: “I have asked from the Lord”  (Psalm 27:4).

Vision: “I behold the beauty of the Lord”  (Psalm 27:4).

God’s Word: “I meditate in His temple”  (Psalm 27:4).

God’s Protection: “In the day of trouble He will conceal me” (Psalm 27:5).

Worship: “I will sing” (Psalm 27:6).

Rest: “Wait for the Lord” (Psalm 27:13–14).

Determination: “Let your heart take courage” (Psalm 27:14)

Courage isn’t limited to the battlefield … Its real tests are broader … deeper … like remaining faithful when nobody’s looking … enduring pain when the room is empty … standing alone when you’re misunderstood … It can be as simple as saying “No” .... as uneventful as facing a mountain of laundry … God’s medal-of-honor winners are made in secret … away from public acclaim'.  When fear nips at your heels, God says, ‘Be strong and courageous!’ (Joshua 1:9 NAS)

Dick Mills writes: ‘Every commandment …comes with the assurance that we can perform it.  God doesn’t issue orders we’re not capable of fulfilling … It’s incongruous to say, “I’ve lots of courage but no strength,” or, “I’m a powerhouse of energy but I’m afraid”. Courage and strength were given to you by God.  'Courage motivates our will, and strength accompanies our effort’.