Saturday, April 20, 2013

Fear Not


Today’s devotional by Sarah Young was not written this week, but it definitely could have been.  For the most part it could have been written any week because whether there is a large scale national or world tragedy or a personal one, there are always distressing events. We live in a world of distressing events, and we don’t have to look far to find them. The question is, how much are you going to let them occupy your heart and mind?

It’s not, however, like our mind is a whiteboard where we can wipe away any reference or thought of things we don’t want to dwell on, and then live in the denial of them. That’s not the answer.  In this world we have to walk through them and with people who have to do so also. But what are we going to let these situations do to our hearts and minds? Are we going to live in the fear of tragedies of all sorts? Or, are we going to walk through these events in the strength that Christ supplies with the peace that can only come from being at peace with God and subsequently knowing the peace of God?

God’s answer is to find our rest in Him and to know that He has us wrapped firmly in His hands fully aware of every detail and going before us (and behind) through them. We have no reason to fear, because the God who created and sustains everything is in control. As we are encouraged by Sarah today, take a break from the constant flow of news and tune in to the Word of God with His Spirit adjusting the volume. He can bring calm in the midst of the biggest of storms.

Today in “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young (4/20)

Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Hear Me saying Peace, be still to your restless heart. No matter what happens, I will never leave you or forsake you. Let this assurance soak into your mind and heart, until you overflow with Joy. Though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, you need not fear!

The media relentlessly proclaim bad news: for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A steady diet of their fare will sicken you. Instead of focusing on fickle, ever-changing news broadcasts, tune into the living Word – the One who is always the same. Let Scripture saturate your mind and heart, and you will walk steadily along the path of Life. Even though you don’t know what will happen tomorrow, you can be absolutely sure of your ultimate destination. I hold you by your right hand, and afterward I will take you into Glory.

Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was great calm. Mark 4:39 (NK JV)

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

Therefore we will not fear, though the Earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea. Psalm 46:2

Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Psalm 73:23-24

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