Thoughts on Fear Not
Even though God has instructed us over 300 times in the Bible to Fear Not, or not to be anxious about anything, it can be difficult, as humans, to totally turn our fears and anxieties over to Him.
When I was young, and my fears would surface, my mother would have me repeat over and over, “When I am afraid, I will trust in God.” I didn't understand the power of those words at that time, but as I matured, and would repeat them, I realized that those words could calm my anxieties.
Each time Jesus was tempted by Satan, He used words. He also quoted scripture. I have found through my own life experiences, and others testimonies, that praying scripture can make Satan, his minions, and our own fears, take a hike. That is why it is important to memorize scripture. How can we use them as weapons if they are not planted in our minds and spirits? As we age, it becomes more difficult to memorize anything, so those of you who have little children, I suggest you begin teaching them scripture. Help them to have weapons of their own to combat the attacks of the enemy.
In my book, FEAR NOT, the main characters—Christina and her three children—have to face many fears. Christina loses her husband through death, and now, as a single mother, she has three children she must provide for. If that isn't stressful enough, she chooses to uproot them, and move to Texas, which in itself presents fears. The children have to attend new schools, adjust to the way people express themselves with their odd accents, and adjust to the heat, which is brutal.
When the children begin their school year, Christina decides to take on a full time job at the local hospital, and ends up working with an old high school crush. During that adjustment time, she realizes that someone doesn't want her in Alva, and is trying desperately to convince her that she, and her children need to leave.
The story unfolds during the time of increased terrorists activity, causing more stress and fear, not only in the Sander's family, but the whole world. Christina has to rely on her faith, her childhood friends, and new friends she has met, to get her through some of the incidences.
The Bible verse that keeps popping up in her mind is found in Isiah, which tells us we are not to fear because God is with us.
According to the NIV Bible, the are over 300 verses with the word “fear” in them. The only thing to fear is God, and that is a reverential awe, not shaking in your shoes kind of fear. There are only 5 scriptures dealing with the word anxious. My favorite verse dealing with anxiety is Philippians 4:6. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Sometimes we may forget that He says ANYTHING. Surely, He didn't mean anything? What about?—fill in the blanks.
Even after the 911 attack, there have been many more terrorists activities which can instill fear in even the strongest believer. We have to remind ourselves over and over, that God is the One in control. Even though we may find ourselves in frightening situations, we as believers, have a hope and peace that passes human reasoning. God doesn't want us to live our lives in fear. We are to trust in Him completely, and his peace will fill us.