Do Not Fear

Worship Wednesday with Pastor Edith
February 19, 2025
Deuteronomy 31:8, Isaiah 41:10 & Proverbs 17:22

The Proverb 17:22 says; “A cheerful heart is good medicine”. I would say that is a good prescription, but where can we get it filled? I can hear someone say, “here it comes, some quote from somebody who doesn’t have a clue what I am going through”, but hold on, keep reading, it won’t take long and if you aren’t encouraged even a little bit, then read it again (smile).

It seems part of the illness for which we need this special prescription is the condition of fear. It is something everyone experiences, but many experience it more often and more profoundly than many others. What to do? Go to the pharmacy of Scripture and look up the verses I have listed, and don’t just read those verses, read what comes before and after. What you will find are God’s people facing seemingly impossible situations, some of which they put themselves in and others they simply landed upon. The thing these verses have in common is God’s reassurance that He is with them through it all; “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged” (Deut. 31:8). The prophet Isaiah in chapter 41:10 writes, “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.”

Are you afraid today? Do you know someone who is frightened by something? Pray; for yourself and them. Maybe just sit and listen quietly. Be near to those who have invited you to know what is frightening and let them have permission to express what they are feeling without handing them the prescription. Perhaps they, will discover, through your love and prayers, the pharmacist Himself.

I love this quote from a little book that has brought me such comfort and peace. I’ve shared before from Noah benShea, I will share again from his book “Jacob’s Ladder”; “Fear is a realization that we are not all-powerful. It is a recognition that there is a force beyond us in the universe. Fear, not fear of fear, is a door to humility. And humility is the door to prayer (pg. 126).

A closing hymn might be in order. How about “His eye is on the Sparrow” and verse two; “Let not your heart be troubled, His tender words I hear; And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubt and fear. Tho’ by the path He leadeth but one step I may see: His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me. His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me”.

AMEN and PRAY ON!