Exhortation:
Fear comes to every man from time to time in our journey of life. However, God instructs us repeatedly in scripture not to be afraid because fear is not from Him but from the devil.
That explains why fear has torment while the absence of fear produces peace and calm in the soul. Ps 46:9 talks about the desolations in the earth, yet God’s instructions to us is that we should be still because fear will limit Him and invite demonic activity.
Fear is a spirit and God wants you to deal with it just as you deal with every other evil tendency in your life.
Listen to how the Psalmist handled his fears:
- Ps 61:1-3 Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.
- Ps 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me
- Ps 16: 8-9 I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore, my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.
- Ps 118:4-6 Let them now that fear the Lord say, that his mercy endureth forever. I called upon the Lord in distress: The Lord answered me, and set me in a large place. The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?
- Ps 27:1-3 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.
How do you handle your fears?
Do you look to the Lord in times when you are encompassed about with such trouble that threaten your very life?
Read Ps 118 and listen to David’s bold confession of his confidence in the name of the Lord to deliver him from harm. I will not be afraid because He is with me. We must learn to handle our fears by turning our eyes upon the Lord.
PRAYER: FEAR NOT, SAYS THE LORD (CONFESSION OF FAITH)
Scripture reading: Is 43:1-7
Say this prayer out loud and then proceed to pray in other tongues:
My dear heavenly Father, I thank you for your word which is living and active
I declare the Word of God over my life and I know that these words will not return unto Him void
I declare that the Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear
The Lord is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid
The Lord is my refuge and my fortress
Therefore, my soul finds refuge in the Lord alone
My salvation comes from God for He alone is my rock and my salvation
The Lord is my fortress, I shall never be shaken
I set the Lord always before me
He is on my right hand, therefore I shall not be shaken
I trust in you in the Lord God at all times
He is my place of safety
Therefore, I will not be crippled by fear
My mind will not be overcome by anxiety
I take captive every thought of fear, worry, despair and anxiety
I take it captive and bring it under the obedience of Christ
I stand in faith, for I know in whom I believe
You are the Lord strong and mighty
You are the Lord, mighty in battle
You are the God of all flesh
There is nothing too hard for you
My soul find rest in you alone
I trust in you, O God
I will not be afraid for you have redeemed me and called me by name
I will not be afraid because I am precious in your sight and you love me
I will not be afraid for you will never leave me nor forsake me
So, I make bold to say that the Lord is my keeper
Therefore, I will not fear what man will do unto me
The name of the Lord is my strong tower, I run into Him now and I’m safe
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil for the Lord is with me and He will never leave me nor forsake me
I thank you Lord for your ever-abiding presence
Though a host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear:
Though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident
For God is my refuge and strength; a very present help in trouble.
SONG:
– No longer slaves (Bethel Music);
– Who you say I am (Hillsong Worship)
VERSE FOR THE DAY: Is 35:4 Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you.
