Many times, in the Word we are told to not be afraid. There are at least 80 “Fear nots” and I find it comforting to read verses on trusting the Lord and not being afraid. I read an article about Jill Briscoe who is a pastor’s wife, speaker who has gone around the world, author, and founder of Just Between Us magazine. I respect her so much and as I read about her, I discovered she is often afraid. That had my attention as I have fearful times. She has gone to places in the world where there has been unrest and Christians killed for their faith, just before she arrived. But she said she did many things afraid and remained scared, but God gave her courage to do whatever it was that He asked of her. Of course, the enemy would have us bound by our fears and not moving ahead, but we are given so many promises that the Lord will go with us wherever we go. I was reading from Joshua 1:9 (The Message) when God said to Joshua, “Haven’t I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don’t be timid; don’t get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take.” Maybe you are familiar with the song, “Be Not Afraid”. It was written by Bob Dufford in 1972 when he was on a Jesuit retreat for priests; he had fears of transitions he would make as a priest and questioned if he would be a good priest. He wrote the song, “Be not afraid I go before you always. Come, follow me and I will give you rest. If you pass through raging waters in the sea, you shall not drown. If you walk amid the burning flames you shall not be harmed. If you stand before the power of hell and death is at your side, know that I am with you through it all.” This song is often sung to those that are dying and brings comfort. No matter what fears we have, we are promised the Lord is right by our side and will give us the courage we need.

Challenge for today: Memorize a scripture on being not afraid and rehearse it when you are fearful.