Genesis 26:24

In both Bible Testaments, there is a blending of both fear and love. Religious fear opens the human heart to Divine revelation. Human fear reduces us to insignificance. In the life of faith, our sense of superior presence is held in balance as confidence in God: “And the Lord appeared unto him (Isaac) the same night. And said, ‘I am the God of Abraham thy father, fear not, for I am with thee, and will bless thee, and multiply thy seed for my servant Abraham’s sake.” (Genesis 26:24.)

Genesis 15:1 “After these things the word of the Lord came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram, I am thy shield and thy exceeding great reward.”

Deuteronomy 1:21 “Behold, the Lord thy God hath set the land before thee: go up and possess it, as the Lord God of thy fathers hath said unto thee, fear not, neither be discouraged.”

Joshua 8:1 “And the Lord said unto Joshua, fear not, neither be thou dismayed, take all the people of war with thee, and arise, go up unto Ai: see, I have given into thy hand the king of Ai, and his people, and his city, and his land.”

Psalm 23:4 “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me; thy rod and they staff they comfort me.”

Proverbs 14:27 “The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.” [Also note John 7:38…..”streams of living water.”]

Isaiah 7:4 “And say unto him, Take heed, and be quiet; fear not, neither be faint- hearted for the two tails of these smoking firebrands, for the fierce anger Rezin with Syria, and the son of Remaliah.”

Joel 2:21 “Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice: for the Lord will do great things.”

Zechariah 8:13 “And it shall come to pass, that as ye were a curse among the heathen, O house of Judah, and house of Israel; and so will I save you, and ye shall be a blessing: fear not, but let your hands be strong.”

Matthew 28:5 “And the angel and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.”

Luke 12:7 “But even the very hairs of your head are numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.”

John 12:15 “Fear not, daughter of Sion: Behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass’s colt.”

Acts 27:22-25 “And now I exhort thee to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man’s life among you, but of the ship. Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.”

Revelation 1:17-18 “And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not, I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and death.”

Living and working for our Saviour, use each God-given spiritual ability, knowing that every labor is not in vain (I Corinthians 15:58), as we offer all of ourselves: bodies, minds, souls and spirits (Matthew 25.)

Serving the Master, always know that we are laying up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21.)

As we continue unto the end of our time upon earth (Philippians 1:21; 4:13,) endure for the Lord to the end (Matthew 10:22.) Purpose and determine to grow, going unto perfection (Hebrews 6:1-6;) pressing on toward the prize (Philippians 3:12-14;) setting our affections on things above (Colossians 3:1-5.)

Seek God first, and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33.) And having been found faithful throughout all the seasons of our lives, receive a crown of life (Revelation 2:10.) Through it all, trusting God, and following Jesus Christ: “Fear Not!”

Pastor Nate Ware,
Depews Chapel United Methodist Church