The Imperative

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. – Isaiah 41:10

Over 19 million people in the United States suffer from a debilitating problem… fear! Not just a little fear, but a fear that often takes over their whole lives. Consider fears of flying, fears of spiders, fears of becoming ill, fears of water, fears of heights, and many more. All sorts of serious physical, emotional, and even spiritual consequences come from fears, rational or otherwise.

Did you also know that “Fear not” is in the Bible 365 times? God did not intend for you to spend a single day preoccupied with fear, anxiety, and worry. In his book, The Purpose Driven Life, Pastor Rick Warren writes that people can allow fear to control their lives, thus missing out on important opportunities. “Instead,” he writes, “Christians must work through their faith and relationship with God to take away fear’s control over them.”

When you think of it, “Fear Not,” is an imperative, authoritative Divine command! Don’t allow fears to cloud your future. Instead, cast them upon the Lord. They will not surprise Him, and He can handle it! Pray for Americans to increase their faith in the Lord and be released from their many fears.

Today’s Verse: Isaiah 41:10

fear not, for I am with you;
    be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Recommended for further reading: Mark 4:35-41

35 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” 36 And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. 38 But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” 39 And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 40 He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” 41 And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”

All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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