Fear Not.
Fear Not
God’s Sovereignty and Man’s Response-ability
I had an appointment at Costco this afternoon. I’m thankful God, in His sovereignty, allowed me a window into what fear can do to people. First off, I had to park in a part of the lot I didn’t know existed. Then I saw there were zero carts in the corral. My appointment was in the back of the store so I had to shimmy my way through the overflowing carts filled with bottled water, paper towels, toilet paper, Clorox wipes and hand sanitizer.
I walked to the counter mesmerized by what I was seeing. The employee who was helping me with my appointment said she just saw a man go through the checkout with a full pallet of bottled water. What was driving all of this pandemonium?
Fear.
I thought, instead of writing anything additional from my own lips, I would allow God’s Word to speak a better word to address this visible, tangible level of fear. Because God uses fear to lead us to the comfort of Christ.
The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe. Proverbs 29:25
For when dreams increase and words grow many, there is vanity; but God is the one you must fear. Ecclesiastes 5:7
My flesh trembles for fear of you, and I am afraid of your judgments. Psalm 119:120
Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. Proverbs 3:7
You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord! He is their help and their shield. Psalm 115:11
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. Matthew 10:28-31
In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I (Jesus) have overcome the world. John 16:33
Thoughts for Reflection
How have you been tempted to misplace your fear from God to man?
What verse of the ones listed might be valuable to memorize this week?