Do Not Be Afraid

2 Timothy 1:7 – For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (KJV)

Recently, fear was overwhelming me — fear of people's reactions; fear of rejection; fear of being hurt emotionally; fear of letting go of circumstances. Basically, it was all fear of the unknown.

I started reading a devotional guide at the beginning of January. I marvelled at the messages God gave me that first week when I was struggling with fear.

Luke 1:37 – Nothing, you see, is impossible with God. (MSG)

That was the message I heard, loudly and clearly, from God the first day. I realized that since He made our galaxy and holds it all in place, He can help me. He can hold me together, and all the situations in my life. He can teach me and guide me. He can lift me up and encourage me. That gave me a little ray of hope.

Luke 2:10 – But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people" (NIV)

When I'm filled with fear, God tells me, "Don't be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy." That said to me, "Judy, trust Me. I still accept you; I forgive you; I will provide for you; I will comfort you. There is better stuff coming." It said to me that Jesus Christ is healing me, and I will be filled with joy. I repented of my lack of trust in my Saviour, Who died for me and gave Himself for me. I asked for His help to remember that I can't change the circumstances in and around me. I also asked for help to be strong and honest. I knew that God had not given me the spirit of fear, but He has given me the spirit of power, love, and a sound mind. Oh, how I need Jesus!

We can all hear from God. His message is that He loves us; He cares for us; He is our comfort; He forgives us; He provides for us; He heals us; He is our peace and joy; He is our strength; He has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, of love, and of a sound mind.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, so many times, fear creeps into our lives. We know in our heads that nothing is impossible with You, but it isn't always in our hearts. We don't claim that truth. Hundreds of times in the Scriptures, You tell us not to fear, and in so doing, You are telling us to trust You. Help us, we pray, for we are a needy people. Amen.

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