I recently read that the term “Fear Not” appears 365 times in The Bible. Don’t hold me to this stat. I haven’t counted. But wouldn’t it be just like The Lord to remind us every day that we have a choice between fear and faith? I know we have a real enemy out there that wants us to be fearful of everything every day. If we’re bound up in fear, we’re stuck. We absolutely cannot move forward attached to this unbearable weight. Fear is a load that is so heavy, nobody can carry it for an extended period of time without it taking control of your life. It will most certainly seep into every area of your being if you remain chained to it. The moment you sense a little relief, it rears its ugly head to remind you again why you can’t “blank”. Does this sound familiar or am I the only one who deals with this?

Fear is defined as an unpleasant emotion caused by a belief that “whatever” is dangerous, likely to cause pain or a threat. Naturally, we run from these things or situations because none of us like pain in any form. We don’t even like the idea of it. So, fear worms its way into your mind setting up a belief system. The “belief system” is the dangerous part. Just because we believe something, doesn’t make it so. This is often how the enemy likes to trick us out of operating in our God given gifts and talents. He causes you to doubt what you instinctively know that God has placed within you to help other people and further His kingdom. It’s something The Lord has put in your heart in the past but now you question your ability when the opportunity arises to use your giftings. The enemy is there to question your “worthiness”. “You aren’t that good at ‘whatever’. You’re not able to commit to that. You’re in no way qualified”, he will whisper. In a matter of moments you went from believing you could to being deceived and talked out of your potential. Fear gave way to doubt and now you’ve shut down. The enemy wants to silence you. He certainly doesn’t want you using your gifts to glorify God.  Jesus said, “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” (‭‭John‬ ‭10‬:‭10‬ ‭NLT)‬‬

The satisfying life Jesus wants to give you includes operating in your gifts and talents He’s bestowed upon you. It does not include the lies of the devil trying to talk you out of what God has for you. You are at a choice point. You have to make a conscious decision to step out in faith with God or stay bound in fear by the enemy. You know what the right answer is, but “what if”? “When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.” (Psalms‬ ‭94‬:‭19‬ ‭NLT‬‬) This is the key to unlocking the door of fear and exposing it to the light of The Lord. For the child of God, He is with you. He comforts you like a parent teaching a baby to walk. If you start to fall, He’s got you! “Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.” (‭‭Psalms‬ ‭37‬:‭24‬ ‭NLT‬‬) This is His guarantee to you. That should instill confidence in us. 

The list of fears we face every day is unending. You may face with faith what binds me up in fear and vice versa. We’re here to help each other. But more importantly, Jesus stands ready and willing to help. He conquered death so there’s nothing He can’t get you through. We find in His Word, “I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears.” ‭‭(Psalms‬ ‭34‬:‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬) Not some, all! This is the assurance we need. We give our anxieties to Him and trust that they’re being taken care of. So I say about these worldly troubles we face, fear not!

Today’s writer is Brandi Crowe. A hairdresser for over 25 years, she is currently the owner of Brandi Crowe salon in Buford, GA. She loves hiking, a good cup of coffee, and spending time with family and friends. Brandi lives in a custom farmhouse with her husband Robby and cat Harold.