“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 NKJV
I just completed a Youversion Bible plan on lies the enemy tries to tell us. The last day of the plan spoke of the lie that we should be afraid.
Way back in the Old Testament, God told His people not to fear. His presence was with them. He was there to protect them and lead them in victory.
Then Jesus came into our world and taught by example the same thing.
“but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, because they all saw him and were terrified. Immediately he spoke to them and said, ‘Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.’” Mark 6:49-50 NIV
Seriously, don’t be afraid? These fishermen seemed to be in an impossible situation. In a storm on the water (they knew how deadly that can be!) with what seemed to be some kind of apparition walking around on top of the water! And yet…it was Jesus! He stilled the storm. He calmed their fears.
Today we should pray for eyes to see Jesus when we have fear. He IS with us. He DOES calm our storms when we trust Him. He DOES make a way for us in the wilderness!
“You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. (…) Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him. Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!” Psalms 32:7-8, 10-11 NIV
