Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – November 6, 2019
But Jesus came and touched them. ‘Get up,’ he said. ‘Don’t be afraid.’ When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.” Matthew 17:7–8
Fear is relentless in its pursuit to push peace from the heart of sincere followers of Jesus. No one is immune to its influence. You can be a new believer or a seasoned Christian of many years and still struggle with fear. Fear stalks us when, like a boxer, we fall to one knee and wonder if we can get back up again. But it is in that point of weakness that we look up and see no one except Jesus. Fear flees when we appropriate faith in our Savior.
“Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else” (Isaiah 45:22 KJV).
Fear sows doubt in our souls with “what ifs.” What if I lose my job? What if we can’t pay the bills? What if we can’t retire? What if my child fails? What if he or she leaves me? What if the government takes over completely? What if I am rejected? What if I die? What if they die? What ifs are not healthy to obsess over because they only feed fear. Instead, think thoughts that anchor your hope in the certainty of Christ and His control. He’s got you.
“Will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:30–33).
Jesus expects us to get up from ungodly groveling in apprehension and worry and stand up by faith. Stand up by faith to Satan and his schemes to question God. Stand up by faith to emotions that forget the Lord’s faithfulness. Stand up by faith to institutions or political systems that marginalize faith-based behavior. When we stand up by faith, we experience God’s grace and assurance. Fear cannot coexist in the presence of faith.
Lastly, do not be afraid when the glory of God reveals itself in all its radiant splendor. The Lord’s blessing may have burst upon you like cool, refreshing rain after days of drought and dryness. Do not wonder when it might be over; instead, enjoy Jesus and your window of opportunity to give Him glory for His gracious favor. The touch of Jesus is what is needed to trust Jesus. Bow before Him in awe and fear, but do not be afraid.
“Moses said to the people, ‘Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning’” (Exodus 20:20).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I receive and rest in Your perfect love to cast our fear from my heart, in Jesus’ name, amen.
Application
What fear of mine do I need to replace with faith? Do I invite the touch of Jesus?
Related Reading
Genesis 50:19–21; Judges 6:23; Luke 1:30; Hebrews 11:23
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Fear cannot coexist in the presence of faith. #WisdomHunters #donotbeafraid
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