Today’s Daily Bread ~ When fear overrides faith…

Genesis 12:10-13 – At that time there was a severe famine in the land, so Abram went down to Egypt to wait it out.  As he was approaching the borders of Egypt, Abram said to Sarai, “You are a very beautiful woman.  When the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘This is his wife.  Let’s kill him; then we can have her!’  But if you say you are my sister, then the Egyptians will treat me well because of their interest in you, and they will spare my life.”

I’m so glad to know that I’m not the only one who’s done absolutely stupid things out of fear.  In fact, I’m in pretty good company.  Moses fought with the Lord for almost two full chapters in the book of Exodus.  The Israelites pleaded to be sent back into slavery.  Even David, the man after God’s own heart, had an adulterous relationship, and to cover it up, sent a general into the front lines of a fierce battle to be killed.  Why?  One word: fear.
 
Nothing overrides faith faster than fear.  Just 10 verses earlier we read that the LORD said to Abram, “I will cause you to become the father of a great nation.  I will bless you and make you famous, and I will make you a blessing to others.  I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you.  All the families of the earth will be blessed through you (Genesis 12:2-3).”  What happened?  How did Abram lose confidence so quickly in his God?  God didn’t say He would make Abram the father of all nations unless Pharaoh took a liking to Sarai.  God didn’t say all the families of the earth would be blessed through Abram as long as Abram could help Him out in this one little area.  Abram let his fear override his faith.

Fear can absolutely paralyze us both emotionally and physically.  However, it does have its place.  Dr. Gary Collins, author of Christian Counseling writes, “According to the Bible, there is nothing wrong with realistically acknowledging and trying to deal with the identifiable problems of life. To ignore danger is foolish and wrong. But it is also wrong, as well as unhealthy, to be immobilized by excessive worry. Such worry must be committed to prayer to God, who can release us from paralyzing fear or anxiety, and free us to deal realistically with the needs and welfare both of others and of ourselves.” (p. 66.)

God’s most repeated command is, “Fear not,” or “do not be afraid, do not fear.”  Some sources say this command is found over 365 times throughout Scripture.  Reading this, I can almost put myself in His holy shoes.  How must it feel to look down at Your crown jewel of creation, Your children, and see the worries and fear we face every day?  He loves us so much that He allowed the precious blood of His Son to spill, so that we might seek Him and be comforted with the hope of everlasting life.  “Don’t be afraid, my children,” whispered over and over throughout the pages of the Bible.  “Fear not.  I am with You.  The enemy cannot touch You.  He may steal some of the comforts of this life, but I will meet your every need.  Your body will age, but I will protect your spirit.  The heavens and the earth will fade away, but I have made a new heaven, and a new earth!  Rejoice, live in victory!  I will never leave you or forsake you.”

When you feel the ground beneath you shake, hold on to the One who cannot be shaken.  Remember Peter – as long as he kept his eyes on Jesus, he walked on water as the sea raged around him.  The second he looked away he started to sink (Matthew 14:26-31).  The same is true for us.

Dear Heavenly Father, please guard our hearts and minds against fear.  Please give us the discipline and the desire to stay in the Word.  Please help us not to get distracted by things going on around us.  Please fill us with Your Holy Spirit, and calm our worries and anxieties.  We love You so much, God.  We ask that You bless us to be a blessing to others.  May we be a shining beacon of light for You, pointing people to Your Son.  It’s in the blessed, holy name of Jesus that we pray.  Amen.