Have you ever walked down a dark street or alley and been just a bit afraid? Some people like the feeling of being a scared in haunted houses, and they enjoy scary movies. Some seek out the adrenaline rush of big roller coasters and action sports. Though being scared in certain situations can be fun, there are other times when the fear won't go away. While the world may focus on enjoying fear, let's talk about the dark side of being afraid.
Life can be tough sometimes, making us feel scared. Family problems or fights, money worries, and insecurities about ourselves can make us feel worried and afraid. Going to sleep or hanging out with friends, playing video games, using substances (legal or not), and staying busy don't seem enough to outrun some fears. Maybe you are tired of facing your fears on your own.
Thankfully, Jesus knew times would come that would make us afraid. He loves each of us so much that He made promises to help us.
"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."
(Isaiah 41:10).
Jesus promised that we do NOT need to fear when trouble and fearful things come. We do not have to "be dismayed." That means to feel like running away. Jesus CAN help. He WANTS to help all of us, even YOU!
God's Promise Explained
"Fear thou not; for I am with thee:"
Remember, this is a promise from God. He will be with us. Our Bible is full of stories of scary things happening to God's children. From these stories, we learn that God is always with His people.
"...be not dismayed; for I am thy God:"
The verse says we do not have to run away. Being afraid makes people want to run away. Some people run away, even though their fears always catch up. Many run because they do not know that Jesus will help them. When Jesus is our Savior, we do not need to run from scary things.
"I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee..."
The Lord Jesus promises He will give us His strength when we are afraid. God does this for all His children. It is one of the unique ways He helps us. He does this for everyone who knows Jesus as their Savior. If you desire God's peace to deliver you from fear of crisis, circumstance, and conditions of life, you must:
1. RECOGNIZE WHY YOU HAVE FEAR
Ultimately, fear comes from a lack of trust in God. "And He (Jesus) saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?" (Matthew 8:26a). Our fear is a direct result of our sin and separation from God. More important than the fear we face right now is that our sin truly separates us from the God of perfect peace. "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23).
No matter how much good we do, we still fall short. No one is good enough to overcome fear by themselves and, more importantly, to gain access to the God of Heaven on his merit.
2. REALIZE THE PENALTY OF SIN
"For the wages of sin is death..." (Romans 6:23). Christ showed His great love for us when He died on the cross to pay our sin debt. Christ's love is the only way to overcome fear AND sin!
3. REALIZE CHRIST LOVES AND DIED FOR YOU
"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). Christ showed His great love for us when He died on the cross to pay our sin debt. Christ's love is the only way to overcome fear AND sin!
THERE IS ONLY ONE SIMPLE DECISION YOU MUST MAKE: TRUST CHRIST ALONE AS YOUR SAVIOR.
"But the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:23b).
"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved" (Romans 10:13).
Everlasting life and deliverance from fear is a gift purchased by the blood of Jesus and offered freely to those who call upon Him by faith.
YOU CAN CLAIM GOD'S PROMISE FOR SALVATION RIGHT NOW:
"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved" (Romans 10:9).
NOW PRAY, CONFESS THAT YOU ARE A SINNER, ASK GOD TO SAVE YOU, AND RECEIVE CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR.
