The Fear Factor Foiled
At a critical time in the life of Israel God made them a promise that typifies Him, and gives us hope and help.
“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41: 10)
“Fear not,” or “Don’t be afraid” appears 365 times in the Bible. God made His pont. Fear casts a foreboding shadow that is much larger than itself. It often freezes a person into inactivity and leads to defeat. Heed the advice of Babe Ruth, “Never let the fear of striking out get in your way.” It is based on “what-ifs.”
He gives assurance of two things we have no need to do:
“Fear not,” and “be not dismayed.” These two attitudes capriciously rob us of the joy of life. When either or both impose themselves on you, remember the following.
From the middle east comes this fable indicating the power of fear.
Pestilence met a caravan on its way to Baghdad and asked the Chief why he was going to Baghdad. “To take 5,000 lives” was the answer.
On the way back Pestilence said, “You fooled me, you took 50,000 lives.” “No, said the caravan Chief, “I killed only 5,000 lives. Fear killed the rest.”
When faced with fear may it be said of you, “I sought the Lord, and He heard me, And delivered me from all my fears. They looked to Him and were radiant, And their faces were not ashamed.” (Psalm 34:4-5)
When you do, then the winds of fear are abated and the clouds of dismay dispersed.
Dismayed is a word meaning don’t give up, don’t quit. When you are inclined to give up, don’t. Perhaps you need to rethink your situation and immerse it in prayer.
Reasons for not fearing or giving up are noted: “I am with you,” “I am your God, “I will strengthen you,” “I will help you,” and “I will uphold.” Those five factors, like giant reliable marble columns, support us.
Dr. David Livingstone (1813-1873) served as a medical missionary to Africa. For 30 years he suffered hunger, sickness and injuries. “Shall I tell you what sustained me amidst the toils, the hardships, and loneliness of my yielded life?” asked Dr. Livingstone. He continued, “It was the promise, ‘Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end.’” He knew what we each needed to realize, the God who created the Universe is your God.
The last words of an individual are often very important. Among those of Jesus are found these ones of comfort: “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled.”