“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” 
—Joshua 1:9, NASB

Reflection 

In his first inaugural address, Franklin D. Roosevelt said, The only thing we have to fear is fear itself. Nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance. The common human response to fear is to retreat, hide, and cower in the shadows. But this is not God’s way, beloved, for we must confront fear by advancing toward it, not retreating away from it. 

There are so many different people who are struggling with fear in all its varied forms. There are widows, for example, who feel so alone since they lost their husbands. Typically, these ladies have so many fears: the fear of being alone, the fear of the future, financial insecurity, health issues, and other real threats they face on a daily basis. Losing a spouse brings up many fears, both realized and hidden. 

The heart of God goes out to them, and He wants each one to know that they are not alone. Jesus is with them, and He promised to never leave or forsake them. There are passages in the Bible that give God’s answers to every fear that exists to humanity. God’s children are encouraged by His words of comfort: I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you. This assurance of God’s presence enables us to say, The Lord is my helper. I will not be afraid. What will man do to me? 

And in the Gospel of John, Jesus said, I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. And the same is true for us. This is a solid answer that we must stand on, if we are going to defeat fear. 

For the fear of uncertainty, God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea. For the fear of losing everything, my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 

For the fear of death, Jesus says, I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. For the fear of failure, abide in Me and I in you. The branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, and apart from Him, we can do nothing. 

Beloved, in these scriptures, and so many more throughout the Bible, we find the revelation and strength we need from God’s Word to overcome fear. He wants us to believe His promises and walk in them every day of our lives. As we do this, the devil and his fears will be put to flight. We don’t have to suffer from fear any longer. The Lord says, “Seize My word and don’t let anything else in.” As we discipline ourselves to seize God’s Word, not letting anything else in, we will become free. 

Application 

• When fear rises, do not retreat, hide, or cower in the shadows. Advance toward it by standing on God’s Word.  

• Choose one promise from Scripture today and seize it, not letting anything else in.  

Prayer 

Father, thank You that I am not alone, because You are with me. Jesus, help me believe Your promises and walk in them every day of my life. Teach me to confront fear by advancing toward it, not retreating away from it. I seize Your Word today, and I ask You to give me the discipline not to let anything else in. Let the devil and his fears be put to flight as Your truth makes me free.