It was not intended on my part to write today primarily concerning fear, although it needs to be addressed because it is obvious we live in a dangerous world, and fear is a "natural" reaction to that, even for true believers in Jesus. In the Bible, even strong and mighty prophets were occasionally struck with fear. The issue is to overcome the fear as much as possible and to not be crippled emotionally or spiritually by that tool of the devil to tear us down and make us ineffectual witnesses for Christ. Of course, we all realize that some things call for necessary fear, when we are in danger and our survival instincts "kick in." For example, when you are home alone and someone is trying to break into your house; or you are hiking in the woods and come face to face with a wild bear. That kind of fear calls for immediate action and is needed to save yourself... with the good Lord's help. That is obvious to everyone.
The point is, for the most part, it is better to put our trust in the good Lord, and to wait on Him to act in our behalf; indeed, to wait on Him to bring us to our real home, heaven, and to carry out His magnificent plan for His coming kingdom. We must be patient ! It will not be long before Jesus takes us home. (John 14:1-4)
"Wait on the LORD: Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: Wait, I say, on the LORD." - Psalm 27:14
We need to exercise caution in these chaotic times. The Bible prophesied that these last days would be characterized by "perilous times" (2 Timothy 3:1-5). But the most important thing to do is to look to the good Lord for protection and guidance. We do that by strong faith and much prayer and much reading of God's Holy Word, the Bible - God's Love Letter to us and His Instruction Manual for us.
Following is an excellent 8 minute clip by Dr. David Jeremiah on fear. He focuses primarily on the fear of a soon financial collapse, but bases his comments on Psalm 37. Please watch !
Just a note: some Bible Prophecy experts believe that the soon Rapture of the Church (Christ's Bride - who are true believers in the Redemptive work of Jesus at Calvary; who believe Jesus is the Savior by His shed blood for us as He took our place on the cross and paid our sin debt in full) - some scholars believe that perhaps the Rapture will be the event that ushers in the coming world financial collapse.
As for fear, if you are saved (born again, spiritually) by believing that Jesus is the Savior, and the only way to heaven and eternal life, just remember that God will fight for you no matter what battle is occurring in your life right now.
"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." - 2 Timothy 1:7
"The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace." - Exodus 14:14
"Be careful [anxious] for nothing, but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:6-7
"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." - Jesus at John 16:33
"And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear Him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." - Matthew 10:28
"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." - 1 John 4:18
Here is an informative article on the subject of fear:
Please watch the following 11 minute encouraging video on how to be still and wait on God - a much needed message to help believers to endure during these troublesome times. Truly faith in God and the patience to endure unbearable trials will see us through until the good Lord takes us home to be with Him in heaven!
"Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge." - Psalm 46:10, 11
"Peace comes when there is no cloud between us and God." - Charles H. Brent
"God will not permit any troubles to come upon us, unless He has a specific plan by which a great blessing can come out of the difficulty." - Peter Marshall
"No one can pray and worry at the same time." - Max Lucado
"Faith attracts the positive. Fear attracts the negative." - unknown
"Trials are medicines which our gracious and wise Physician prescribes because we need them." - John Newton
"We would worry less if we praised more." - unknown
"Tears are often the telescope by which men see far into heaven." - Henry Ward Beecher
Here is a wonderful hymn you will enjoy that applies to our discussion here in this post. "Be still my soul". The first few words in the hymn are : "Be still my soul: the Lord is on thy side. Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain. Leave to thy God to order and provide; In every change, He faithful will remain."
As for being blessed, there is no greater blessing and miracle than the gift of salvation! What love of the heavenly Father and of Jesus that the Savior died a cruel and painful sacrificial death and by that death, paid our sin debt in full so that we might have eternal life, simply by us believing that Jesus is the Savior and the only way to heaven!
What LOVE !! And that is another blessing, the love of God and of Jesus for us. And remember, salvation is a GIFT !
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast." - Ephesians 2: 8,9
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love:" - Ephesians 1:3,4
"But He said, Yea, rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it." - Luke 11:28
"Blessed is the man that endureth temptation, when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him." - James 1:12
"Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand." - Revelation 1:3
Don't think of a blessing from God as being only prosperity !! The true and lasting blessings are salvation and being saved from God's wrath. And we, when we are saved, are now a part of God's family.
Please read also the Beatitudes (The Sermon on the Mount) by Jesus at Matthew Chapter 5:1-12 where He mentions many blessings for us! Here is verse 3 of Matthew 5 for you to consider :
"Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
It is highly urged that you read all of Matthew 5!
And do not forget the blessing to be with Jesus for all eternity in heaven which was mentioned above concerning eternal life. Here are the Savior's words at John 14:1-4:
"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself, that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know; and the way ye know."
Hallelujah !!
Maranatha !!
We should constantly be praising and thanking and glorifying God for His love and tender mercies.
Be often in prayer, and pray for the good Lord to show you His will for you in all matters. Pray for Him to guide you in ways to help others.
If someone is reading this who is not saved; who has not surrendered to Jesus in faith and belief in His ransom sacrifice, following are some Scriptures for you to take seriously. More so, for you to repent and pray for forgiveness ! Do this with all heartfelt sincerity and with a desire to always do the heavenly Father's will in the future.
"He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him." - John 3:36
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." - John 3:16
"Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in Me, shall never die. Believest thou this?" - John 11:25,26
"For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death." - 2 Corinthians 7:10
"And Jesus answering saith unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." - Luke 5:31,32
