Tag: #BeStillAndKnow

Fear…

Fear…

The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident. (Psalm 27:1-3)

Fear – A strong emotion caused by anticipation or awareness of danger. It is a reaction to anxious concern or reason for alarm.  We feel threatened in some way, and our senses become charged within a state of apprehension. It is natural for us as humans to feel the emotion of fear. We are designed by our Creator to have awareness of potential threats within our fallen world. Yet, we often find in scripture these words: “Do not fear” and “Do not be afraid.”

Isaiah 41:10-14 (NIV)

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish. Though you search for your enemies, you will not find them. Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all. For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, “Do not fear; I will help you. Do not be afraid, you worm Jacob, little Israel, do not fear, for I myself will help you,” declares the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.

My friends, in these latter days of trial and tribulation, we are not called to be fearful. For God has not given us a spirit of fear. The Spirit God gave us does not make us timid; rather He gives us power, love, and self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7) As Peter reasoned: “Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord! Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect…. (1 Peter 3:13-15)

Indeed, let us embrace these words: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth gives way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. (Psalm 46:1-3) And, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified. For the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)

Have a Blessed Day!

Be Still

Psalm 46:10

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

So, again, we have our thoughts on the sovereignty and majesty of God.  He says, “Be still – and know that I am God.”

Sometimes we just need to stop and get quiet … and allow God to reveal Himself to us in a quiet place … far from the noise of life … away from the everyone and everything that can distract us from experiencing and knowing the presence of God and hearing His still small voice. (Cf. 1 Kings 19:12) Sometimes we need to both isolate ourselves and insulate ourselves within a “prayer closet” and spend quality time with God.  He wants us to be still at times.  He desires us to know Him in a personal way….

I believe the Lord Jesus wants us to know it is okay to be silent before Him … to rest in Him … to wait for Him.  We do not need to worry or fret because of the circumstances we face or the hardships we suffer in life.  God delights for us to know Him and to trust Him. Indeed, God is sovereign over every aspect of our lives.  Jesus encourages us to “ seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Cf. Matthew 6:33) Jesus invites us to approach Him, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Cf. Matthew 11:28)

So I encourage you to consider this verse today.  Let it remind you that it is good to stop and sit at the feet of Jesus and just listen to Him. (Cf. Luke 10:38-42) Let it remind you that it is good to stop and sit at the foot of the cross and just ponder all that took place upon it. Let it remind you that it is good to stop and sit at the entrance of the empty tomb and just meditate on the power that raised Jesus from the dead.  Let it remind you that it is good to stop and worship the Alpha and the Omega and to exalt Him! Because at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father! (Cf. Philippians 2:9-11)

So Now You Know….

Have a Blessed Day!