“Do not fear; I will help you. Do not be afraid, O worm, O little Israel, for I myself will help you,” declares the LORD, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.
Recently, Men’s Ministry Catalyst has developed ten booklets to assist people in coping with specific topics; such as, Fear, Anger, Temptation, Isolation, Stress, Discouragement, Worry, Frustration, Lost, and Manhood. You can learn more about these booklets on our website at mensministrycatalyst.org.
Fear is something that can extinguish the joy in life. It can make the healthiest person sick to their stomach. It can paralyze your ability to think clearly. Those who regularly experience fear know too well its byproducts — discouragement and doubt.
Today, many people focus on their fears instead of the rich promises of God. We fear financial ruin or the loss of our job if our economy collapses. Many people fear a global war with countries like North Korea, Russia, Iran, or terrorists who have taken over missile armories. Then we fear what will happen to America because of the decline of the moral and social values we once cherished.
The singer and psalmist, Asaph, who wrote twelve of the Psalms found in our Bible, shares with us his remedy for fear and doubt. In Psalm 73 we read that at one time Asaph was prideful and arrogant. He wrongly viewed those who had prosperity as wicked. Asaph looked at those who were connected and successful and was seemingly jealous. He was also in despair about his own condition.
Then he realized that his focus had been wrong. In verses 16 and 17 we read, “When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny.” (Psalm 73:16–17 NIV) Asaph realized that living a life without fear, discouragement, and doubt has no bearing upon a person’s wealth or status in life. It has to do with our focus and faith.
Jesus reminds us:
I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
— Luke 12:4–7 NIV
No matter how you feel about your circumstances remember the words the apostle Paul left with us to help us keep our eyes on the eternal truth and blessings we will eventually claim:
By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward.
— Hebrews 11:24–26 (NIV)
When fear raises its ugly head and challenges our peace, remember to daily appropriate the promises of God and look ahead to your eternal reward.
Personal Application
- Pray to the Lord for boldness and strength. Satan desires to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10) the joy that God desires you to have with your salvation. “The Lord is the light of my salvation; whom shall I fear?” Psalm 27:1
- Find strength in God’s Word. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7
- When you are pressured and stressed remember the promise of our Lord, “The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” Psalm 118:6
Jim Grassi, D. Min.