Do Not Fear

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

The Bible states 365 times "do not fear". I love thinking about that. That's a lot of times God says "do not fear" and I figure if he says something so many times, He must mean it. Does it mean I don't fear ever? Hardly, but it is a comfort, and I can think on it anytime I feel afraid.

I think it applies with all forms of fear as well. The irrational fear when I go to bed at night and hear a strange noise in the night. The fear I experience sometimes when I'm driving and see a near-miss. The fear I may have in my heart of stepping out in faith. The fear I also have of getting to know God better- the fear of experiencing something new. The very real fear of death should such a moment come upon us. IN every single one of those situations, we can cry out to our Lord in Heaven and He will see us. He will strengthen us to make it through the challenge and will help us to defeat the enemy.

"Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning." Exodus 20:20

"I will not fear the tens of thousands drawn up against me on every side." Psalm 3:6

"say to those with fearful hearts, "Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you." Isaiah 35:4

"You came near when I called you, and you said, "Do not fear." Lamentations 3:57