Do Not Be Afraid

We live in troubling times. The recent bomb attacks in Boston remind us we are under the constant threat of terror in our world. We're faced with many other personal challenges in life, from sickness to financial hardships, but a personal relationship with Jesus and opening our hearts to the Holy Spirit enables us to live fearlessly in these challenging times.

Believers don't have to be afraid. In Psalm 56:4, it says, “In God, I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust. I will not fear what flesh can do to me.”

Evil is all around us in the world today as we have seen in the Boston marathon bombings. But if you have put your trust in God, you have nothing to fear. Hebrews 13:5-6 tells us the Lord is our helper, and we shall not fear what man may do to us. Paul says in Romans 8:30-32 that if God is for us who can be against us.

God is a rock and a fortress in times of trouble. In Psalm 31:1-5, David reminds us to put our trust in the Lord. We are told in Psalm 73:24-28 that God is our guide and shelter. David also tells us in Psalm 48:14 that God watches over us through our entire lives. He will protect us from danger.

We don't have to be afraid because God knows our needs before we even ask. In Luke, Jesus tells us not to worry over the basics because our Father in heaven knows our needs. God loves us with a love that surpasses all understanding. He loves us so much that he gave his only son for us.

The words "fear not" or "do not be afraid" are in the Bible over 300 times. That's a comfort to me, and I hope it will be a comfort to you today, too. Even in these evil times, we have the assurance that God is with us! Fear not. God is still in control.