“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.”
—Luke 12:32, NASB

Reflection

God is always bigger than our fear.

David said, “When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You. In God, whose word I praise, in God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid” (Psalm 56:3-4).

If we are going to be empowered in our fight against fear, we need to treasure God’s Word in our hearts. David asked, “How can a young man keep his way pure?” Then he immediately answered, “By keeping it according to Your word.” 

One of the first truths God wants us to know regarding fear and faith is simply this: Do not be afraid.

Jesus said, “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.” His words seem so tender here. He is not rebuking us because we fear, but rather assures us because He knows we have real fears. There is something about His voice that arrests our attention and causes us to take notice of what He is about to say. When He speaks, it is imperative that we believe and obey.

As we follow the Lord, we can know with full certainty that nothing will be able to snatch us away from Him.

A shepherd takes good care of his sheep. He makes sure they have plenty to eat, are well watered, and that nothing harms them. He continually guides them and guards them, endeavoring to keep them safe.

Beloved, this is what God promises to do for us. Because God cares for us more than a shepherd does his sheep, we don’t have to fear any longer. He leads us through life.

Peter tells us to cast all our anxiety upon Him because He cares for us. God loves us with an everlasting love, and He cares about us and everything that affects us. He wants us to lean into Him.

God is the great burden bearer. Jesus said, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.”

We are to yoke ourselves to Jesus, remembering that He loves us and will always work on our behalf. These promises from God’s Word bring peace and rest to our souls, which keep us from being afraid.

Application

• When fear rises, treasure God’s Word in your heart and answer fear with what He has said.
• Cast your anxiety upon Father God, remembering that He knows you, loves you, cares for you, and wants you to lean into Him.

Prayer

Father, when I am afraid, I will put my trust in You. Help me treasure Your Word in my heart so that Your truth becomes stronger in me than fear. Thank You that You know me, love me, and care about everything that affects me. Teach me to cast every anxiety upon You and to yoke myself to Jesus. Bring peace and rest to my soul as I remember that You are my Shepherd and You are always bigger than my fear. Amen.