Well-being

Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake.

From anxiety we turn to what the bible say about fear. A man who hid for 32 years fearing punishment of pro-Nazi wartime activity says he used to cry when he heard happy voices outside, but dared not show himself even at his mother's funeral. Janez Rus was a young shoemaker when he went into hiding at his sister's farmhouse in June, 1945. He was found years later after she bought a large supply of bread in the nearby village of Zalna. "If I had not been discovered, I would have remained in hiding. So I am happy that this happened," Rus told a reporter. Throughout those years he did nothing. He never left the house, and could only look down at the village in the valley. 

Often fear has a paralysing  influence on our lives. John Newton once said, “It was If the Lord be with us, we have no cause of fear. His eye is upon us, His arm over us, His ear open to our prayer - His grace sufficient, His promise unchangeable.”

Sometimes in life, we are faced with a task or trial that looks bigger than what we can handle or even seems impossible that we begin to quiver. There are no temptations/difficulties that are bigger than God. We fear or tremble because we often compare our capabilities with the task in view. This is a verse of promise made to the people of Israel and Joshua but it is applicable to all believers. God told the children of Israel not to be afraid or tremble but to stand strong and be of good courage. As He guarantees them of His divine presence at every stage of their journey to the Promised Land. 

All powerful God, I know you are in control. Despite this, I am often fearful and concerned about the future. I pray that you help me throw away my fear. Give me courage. Remind me to look toward you for guidance and strength. I know you will not leave me alone. I want to follow you. Amen.