DontBeAfraid | Kristi's Morning Devotional

Last night I was talking with a group of friends and I reminded them that the Lord is committed to our peace.

All through Scripture we are instructed to fear not – be not afraid. Fear is the enemy of faith and it is the robber of peace.

“For God did not give us a spirit of fear. He gave us a spirit of power and of love and of a good mind.” II Timothy 1:7 NLV

In the beginning, man was created “fear free” but once they were deceived by the serpent they became “fear full”.

“Then they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the evening. The man and his wife hid themselves from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. ⁹But the Lord God called to the man. He said to him, “Where are you?” ¹⁰And the man said, “I heard the sound of You in the garden. I was afraid because I was without clothes. So I hid myself.” Genesis 3:8-10 NLV

God dispelled that fear and reassuringly covered them with His love and protection.

“And the Lord God made clothes of skins for Adam and his wife, and dressed them.” Genesis 3:21 NLV

The blood that was shed for their sin came from an animal; the blood that covers ours comes from Christ. It’s that total forgiveness that brings us peace.

“Now that we have been made right with God by putting our trust in Him, we have peace with Him. It is because of what our Lord Jesus Christ did for us. ²By putting our trust in God, He has given us His loving-favor and has received us. We are happy for the hope we have of sharing the shining-greatness of God.” Romans 5:1-2 NLV

When fear bombards us, and it will, how do we combat it?

“Keep your minds thinking about things in heaven. Do not think about things on the earth. ” Colossians 3:2 NLV

“Be full of joy always because you belong to the Lord. Again I say, be full of joy! ⁵Let all people see how gentle you are. The Lord is coming again soon. ⁶Do not worry. Learn to pray about everything. Give thanks to God as you ask Him for what you need. ⁷The peace of God is much greater than the human mind can understand. This peace will keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7 NLV

If there was anyone in the Bible who knew what it was like to be assailed by fear it would be Paul. He had been stoned and left for dead, beaten, imprisoned, shipwrecked, threatened, lashed with 39 stripes and many other perils. (Read II Corinthians 11) In spite of it all, he is the one who penned those words above.

He knew that having a heart of gratitude for God’s goodness and love drives out fear and brings peace to any situation.

“Be full of joy all the time. ¹⁷Never stop praying. ¹⁸In everything give thanks. This is what God wants you to do because of Christ Jesus.” I Thessalonians 5:16-18 NLV

Be grateful, be filled with God’s joy and peace!

Yesterday I shared some insights from the book of Joshua. It seemed appropriate to draw on that book again today.

Years ago, I was given a copy of the book, Victorious Christian Living by Alan Redpath. It was written in 1955, long before much was being said about victory in the lives of Christians. Redpath uses Joshua’s experiences to show us how God has designed for us to win. (I would encourage you to find a copy [ebay’s a good place] and read it.)

This morning I was reading about all the kings that came out to fight Joshua and the Israelites when the entered their Promised Land. Moses had led them in successful military campaigns before they crossed the Jordan River but Joshua was given the responsibility to lead the warriors as they defeated the many kings occupying the land.

“…The total number of kings was 31.” Joshua 12:24 ERV

Joshua went from battle to battle. Sometimes he was the aggressor but at other times four or five kings would form an alliance and come out to attack him and the Israelite army. Each time Joshua headed into battle the Lord would give him the same message.

“All these kings met together at the small river of Merom. They joined their armies together into one camp and made plans for the battle against Israel. ⁶Then the Lord said to Joshua, “Don’t be afraid of that army, because I will allow you to defeat them. By this time tomorrow, you will have killed them all.” Joshua 11:5-6 ERV

Don’t be afraid – one more time go out to battle; one more time I will give you the victory.

Joshua wasn’t the only one who faced repeated battles. Young David first fought Goliath and then he battled many enemy armies, including one his oldest son led against him. Jesus also faced many personal attacks. Satan came to him with three different temptations when Jesus was physically and emotionally weak. He had just completed a 40 day fast when Satan tempted him with food, with proving his deity and with world-wide acclaim.

“Jesus said to him, “Get away from me, Satan! The Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the Lord your God. Serve only him!’ ¹¹So the devil left him. Then some angels came to Jesus and helped him.” Matthew 4:10-11 ERV

Joshua and David won great victories because they trusted God’s word. Jesus was victorious over the temptations of the devil because He placed His trust in God’s word.

The Christian life isn’t void of trials or attacks but like Joshua and even more, like Jesus we can go from victory to victory when we put our trust and confidence in the promises of God.

“But we thank God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! ⁵⁸So, my dear brothers and sisters, stand strong. Don’t let anything change you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord. You know that your work in the Lord is never wasted.” I Corinthians 15:57-58 ERV

I just had the feeling that some of you woke up this morning with a battle ahead of you. The Lord wanted me to remind you, you’re not in this alone. “Be not afraid, send the devil running. Our victory comes from the Lord”. You’ve got this – He’s got this!

Trust Him – one more time!

Tag: DontBeAfraid

Grateful for Peace

One More Time!