Fear Not

What is your response to fear? How do you deal with the heart pounding, head spinning, knee knocking sensation you feel when your body is spiked with adrenaline because you are afraid? Afraid because you heard a noise in the house, or because of that near accident in the car or because you've just stood up in front of a crowd to talk or perform, or you feel led to do something that you don't feel prepared to do. When you feel like your knees are going to shake right out from under your body and the tremor would register a 4.3 on the richter scale, your voice is filled with an unnatural vibrato because your rapidly beating heart has taken up residence in your throat and the perspiration could literally be wrung from your clothes..

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

This was the verse for today's Proverbs 31 ministries daily devotional today and it couldn't have come at a more perfect time. The context is so much bigger than anything going on my life at present. Joshua was being called by God to lead the Israelites into the promise land after Moses had passed away. I'm sure Joshua knew and saw first hand how difficult a task this could be as God's chosen people were impatient and forgetful of all the things the Lord had demonstrated to them. He probably saw Moses' frustration and faith and witnessed him die and not reach the Promise land that he had hoped for. If I were Joshua, I would be scared too, but God told him, NO really God COMMANDED him to be strong and courageous..not by his own might, but by God's power and provision. Our Lord can provide for us these things and yet it is our free will and choice to take that step in faith and trust HIM.

The Lord told him "Do not be afraid: do not be discouraged.." He knew Joshua's heart and saw his fear and reluctance..He saw any doubts that Joshua had in himself. God knows us too and his promises are the same for us..He commands us to not be afraid or discouraged in our walk with him or in our life's path AND HE PROMISES to be with us where ever we go. How that encourages me! And it should encourage you...!! The key is that you are going in a step of faith TOWARD where God is leading you..not if you decide to blow him off and do your own thing. The Lord will always be there for you, but he will allow you/I to seek out our selfish desires and reap the consequences of them, yet HE is ALWAYS there waiting to have us come home..(See parable of the Prodigal Son, Luke 15:11-32)

Life is filled with many challenges and you can know without a doubt that if you are a follower of Jesus Christ then "trials and tribulations will come". Whether it's a persecution, an illness, a financial or a relationship struggle, or maybe it's the challenge of stepping out of your comfort zone to do something you don't feel capable, like Joshua. But be encouraged in knowing GOD knows you!! He sees you and knows all your/my doubts and fears and yet he says in a calm reassuring whisper into our ears and hearts..."Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”


Lord, my heart is full of fear and anxiety today. Please help my heart to hear your gentle words and believe them and step forth in faith trusting your leading, your presence and your provision. 
Thank you Lord for knowing me and seeing me especially when I feel unknown and invisible. Please help me to reject the enemies lies and trust you. Lord, I pray for your peace today..I love you. Thank you for loving me.