Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.
Habakkuk 3:17-18
Life can be scary sometimes.
We can go through things that rattle us and shake the very foundations of our faith.
It is in these times that I believe the Lord speaks two powerful words to those that belong to Him — “Fear Not.”
This week was one of those times for me. A situation threatened to crush me and render me useless. The voice of the Lord intervened and said,
“‘Fear not, for I AM with you.”
I was reminded of how the angel of the Lord appeared to Mary when she was confused at her unexpected situation of being with child. The angel told Mary, “Fear not.” My soul was comforted by those two words.
It wasn’t the words in and of themselves that was a comfort, but rather the Speaker of those words that provided the comfort.
It was true for the Virgin Mary and it was true for me.
The One who is in control, the One who knows it all, speaks to our hearts when fear threatens to envelope us and suffocate our faith.
The Holy God breathes life into our faith and enable us to “fear not!”
As we step out in faith, trusting God to uphold us, our fear is absorbed by His trustworthiness and all-sufficient grace. We, then, experience something quite remarkable.
Our hearts turn to praise……..
In the midst of the scary, earth-shaking situation that brought me to fear, there is praise which bubbles to the surface.
Praise to God who is worth of all our praise.
Praise to Him that no matter what, He is still on the throne and still deserving of our praise.
Praise refreshed Mary as she sang her love song to God. (read it in Luke 1:46-55)
Two words changed her. She was resolved to do or go through whatever the Lord asked of her.
Fear Not.
These words bring courage and strength.
These two words strengthened me this week.
This situation is still scary and tough.
So what changed?
I did.
God spoke truth to my heart and the grip that fear had on me was loosened.
A by-product was praise.
Praise to God who is worthy. Praise to God who brings joy in the midst of sorrow.
Are things tough for you right now? Is there a situation that has you scared?
Listen close wives, for I believe the Lord has a few words for you — FEAR NOT!
Kim
