Fear

I thought we would talk about fear today. Towards the end of this lesson I have placed a few verses that you can look up and meditate on which I think will help you to overcome negative fear.

There are so many reasons to be fearful in today’s world.

It seems like our world is out of control:
>There are many gangs in the streets.
>There are many young people that carry guns and knives to school filled with anger and bitterness.
>We hear of stabbings and killings and rape and robberies almost everyday
>There are many kinds of diseases, some with no cures in sight.
>I don’t think anyone will forget what happened on 9-11-2002.
>There are terrorists that hate our country and us.
>We are in a war in Iraq.

The Bible says that men's hearts will fail them from fear.

These truly are uncertain times and it sure does seem like the world is spinning out of control and I’m sure there are many that feel there is no hope.  

But I’m here to tell you that there is hope and that hope can only be found in Jesus.

But those that reject Jesus Christ have no hope whatsoever.

That is the reason so many are depressed and many commit suicide.

There are many that are mentally, psychologically and emotionally drained.

Without the Lord most people live miserable lives. They live in uncertainty and many are paralyzed by fear.

Fear is an emotion that everyone of us needs to have. But fear can be positive or negative. 

I think we all know that it is important to have a healthy fear. The Bible says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom so it is important that we have a healthy fear of the Lord.

If we are Christians we should not be overcome by fear.

God is on the side of those that love Him and nothing can happen to them unless God allows it.

 If He does He will give us the courage and strength to go through it.

One thing we can be sure of, if we are Christians, we never have to worry about being separated from God for the Bible says that He will never leave us or forsake us.

Paul says in Romans 8 verses 35-39 that we will never be separated from God’s love. Open up your Bible and read it for yourselves.

In 1st John 4 verse 18 it says “there is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”  And that is true but I have never seen a perfect person and I have never seen anyone demonstrate perfect love.

Outside of the Lord himself, my wife is the only one whom I think loves me unconditionally and I thank the Lord for her. 

Not even the apostle Paul claimed to be a perfect person but he did say that we should strive for perfection. But one thing I do know is that Paul did not have any fear, not even in death. Paul knew whom He believed in and He knew that God was able to keep Him safe. And even if He did have to give up his life for whatever reason he knew that He would be with the Lord, which would be a far better place.

 We can have this same assurance. Paul said in the Word of God, “to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.”

Remember, fear that steals our peace and joy and harms our relationship with God is from Satan.

Jesus said in John 14 verse 1, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God.”

The Bible also says to, “cast all your cares on Him for He cares for you. Praise God.”

I have put here a few verses that deal with fear check them out and be encouraged, trust the Lord and fear not for the Lord loves you and He will work all things out together for your good.

Deuteronomy 31:6-8

Joshua 1: 7-9

Psalms 3: 6

Psalms 18:30-36

Psalm 27:1 - 3

Psalm 56:3-4

Psalm 118:6 - 7

Isaiah 41:13 - 14

Matthew 10:28-31

John 14:27

Romans 8:35-39

2 Timothy 1:7

1 John 4:18

Jeremiah 29: 11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  Praise God!

I also want to encourage all of you that are not born again.  If you can relate to this message and you feel your life is spinning out of control and fear has overcome you, let me give you some hope today. The Bible says, “all have sinned and fell short of the glory of God” it also says, “there is none righteous no not one.”  It is not your fault that you were born with a sin nature. But it is your responsibility to admit that you are a sinner and that you have sinned. If it is your desire to make Jesus the Lord of your life please repeat this prayer, Lord I know I am a sinner in need of your grace and mercy. Please forgive me of my sins and cleanse me of all unrighteousness with the blood of Jesus. Come into my life and set me free of sin, I thank you in Jesus’ name amen. If you meant what you said, welcome to the family of God. Now talk to him about all your cares and fears and pray and ask Him to help you overcome all these things and don’t be shocked when it happens. God bless you!