“Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward” (Genesis 15:1 KJV). 62 times in the KJV, we are told to “fear not.” Fear is an emotion capable of causing great harm in humans. Our physical body can be so greatly impacted by fear, it can cause death, as witnessed by Nabal, when he found that David was coming to slay him but was intercepted and prevented by Abigail’s wise actions. Nabal’s “heart died within him, and he became as a stone. And it came to pass about ten days after, that the LORD smote Nabal, that he died” (1Samuel 25:37-38). Fear of God, by comparison, is a right relationship with Him, who is the source of life and the only means of escaping death. “Sanctify the LORD of hosts Himself; and let Him be your fear, and let Him be your dread” (Isaiah 8:13). Fear of God is the positive emotion of trusting Him who is worthy of our trust. “Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear” (Hebrews 12:28).
No Fear
Perfect Peace of Mind
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace [Hebrew, shâlôm, completeness, tranquility], whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee” (Isaiah 26:3 KJV). In Scripture, peace is not a lack of warfare or hostilities with man. Perfect peace is a state of mind, which comes from absolute confidence and trust in God. Said our soon-to-be-crucified Saviour, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27). Do not be downcast! “These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (16:33).
Cure for Fear
“What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee” (Psalm 56:3 KJV). Better than whistling a happy tune, because the One we trust is greater than anything that can harm us. David didn’t stop there, but went on. “In God I will praise His word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me” (56:4). In God We Trust may only sound like an advertising slogan minted on coins, but true confidence in God is deceptively powerful. Faith is so effective an antidote for fear, the enemy mocks and trivializes it in hope the godly will be lulled into a false sense of “maybe this is too simple to work.” Exactly. Because it is not about us, but about whom we are trusting. Almighty God. “Is any thing too hard for the LORD?” (Genesis 18:14).
Obeying God Against Orders
“But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:19-20 KJV). No child of God should ever desire to disobey the human government appointed over them. Only when given no other choice should the godly ever refuse obedience to the duly appointed government. Just as it should be our joy to render obedience, it should only be with sadness if we cannot comply with government. The disciples could not obey human government, when commanded not to spread the Gospel.
Atmospheric Rivers
Californians, remember the past winter’s Atmospheric Rivers of rain? The extreme weather condition pummeled the state, refilled drought stricken reservoirs, and refreshed the mountain snowpack. “Clouds that can dump a lot of rain are more common in a warmer atmosphere,” says climate scientist Dr. llissa Ocko. Christ predicted weather to become more extreme as we approach His return. “For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers [diverse, many] places” (Matthew 24:7 KJV). Christian, we should never be afraid, because our Almighty Father is still on His Throne.
Majority of One
Hezekiah encouraged his people against the massive onslaught of Sennacherib. Good advice for overcoming our own overwhelming circumstances. “Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that is with him: for there be more with us than with him: With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah” (2Chronicles 32:7-8 KJV).
Not Our Problem to Figure Out How God Keeps His Promises
It’s not our problem to figure out how God keeps His promises. “Be not afraid, only believe” (Mark 5:36 KJV). Believing God is more important than trusting ourself. Do we know enough? Have enough faith? Repented enough? Prayed and fasted enough? That’s important and good, but it comes down to Jesus’ question. “Believe ye that I am able to do this?” (Matthew 9:28 KJV). The blind men replied, “Yea, Lord” (9:28). Without any more discussion, “then touched He their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you. And their eyes were opened” (9:29-30). Do whatever possible thing God requires of you; but essentially, God is responsible for the impossible, because it glorifies Him the way He deserves. “Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth” (Mark 9:23 KJV). Let God be God, who is responsible for the results. Let us not try to be God’s Public Relations, if things don’t work out. We are only responsible for the possible, which our limited thinking can understand. Only believe God! May the God of the Impossible be glorified by our confidence in Him!
We Need A Miracle 