Are you fearless? Fearful? Fearsome?
If you are fearless, you are known to be brave, courageous or heroic. On the other hand, a fearful person may be said to be chickenhearted, or cowardly. Ask any fifth grade boy, it’s better to be brave, than it is to be chickenhearted.

As parents, we realize some fear is good. It keeps us safe, stopping us from doing reckless things.

This partial list from the Internet may cause some of us to laugh
while others cringe and nod in agreement.

Flying Being alone Crowds Public speaking The dark Germs Clowns

Snakes Spiders Falling Flowers Music Open spaces Small spaces

Let’s talk about fear in God’s plan. Fear can sometimes keep us from experiencing the life God has planned for us. Sometimes fear is debilitating and enslaves the person suffering from it.
As told in Deuteronomy, the Israelite nation prepared to cross the Jordan and move into the land their God had promised them. It was a land of abundance, where life would be good. Moses wouldn't be going with them but had appointed another leader. Moses had cared for the people, petitioned the Lord for them, and led them through the hardships of the desert. Now they were going into unknown territory without him. In the year 1406 B.C. Moses said, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified… the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
The Israelite nation was a fearful people. They had shown it in the past and now heading into uncomfortable circumstances, were exhibiting it again. People haven’t changed much since they crossed the Jordan. Today, we are a fearful society, afraid for our safety, of unexpected experiences, of abandonment, crime…..

We are blessed, because God hasn't changed either. His words, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid.” are true today. This promise is repeated again and again, in the book he wrote for us—the Bible.

In Psalm 91:5, God promises to care for those who dwell in his protection both day and night.

In about 680 B.C. Isaiah spoke for the Lord, “fear not… be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you.” (Isaiah 41:10)

Over 1400 years after Moses assured the Israelites, Jesus commanded “Do not be anxious about your life” (Luke 12:22)

Peter wrote, “Cast all your anxiety upon the Lord” (1 Peter 5:5-6)

Jesus promised, “I am with you always.” (Matthew 28:20)

I’ve been told the Bible says “Do not fear.” 365 times—one for every day of the year. I’m not sure that is true, but if you go to God in prayer, his Holy Spirit will tell you, “Do not fear. I am with you always” every day of the year.

Are you fearful?

• Search for “fear not, or do not fear” in your Bible. Write God’s words of assurance on the inside leaf of your Bible, in a journal, or notebook.


• Pray, repeating God’s words.


• Ask the Holy Spirit to remind you of these words throughout the day.


• Remember, you have a fearsome God on your side. He created the heavens and the earth, and he created you.

fearsome: formidable, tremendous, daunting



For your recreational reading