“Fear Not”
It is said that the phrase “fear not” is mentioned in the Bible 365 times - one “fear not” per each day of the year. I recently came across someone who studied this and found that, although you may find this phrase about that many times, it is not always used in the context we are told by some preachers. Actually, there are 80+ instances of “fear not” and another 30+ other variations (“Don’t be afraid”, etc) found with the intended context. Regardless of how many times “fear not” is used in the Bible, the need for us to hear it over and over again may indicate our lack of faith and obedience. Because it is written over and over again in God’s Word, it also shows us a loving, thoughtful, merciful God and Father who desires His children to trust and obey Him. My personal struggle with fear is real and found on various levels in my life. The crippling power of fear is no stranger to me. With me, it has certainly been an issue of trust and obedience. A large part of my struggle with fear is that “seed sowers” of fear have been sowing seed throughout my lifetime without my awareness or permission. Some of the seeds have taken root and have influenced the way I respond to circumstances and people. The results have no been pleasing to the Lord God.
On December 23, 2018, my daughter sang a song I co-wrote with two other people a few years ago. The message of the song reminds the listener that even in the reality of pain, suffering, doubt and fear, there is an antidote. It is the presence of God - Emmanuel - that casts out all fear! (1 Jn. 4:18) In more ways than one, this song continues to minister to me in helping me overcome fear and to be reminded to trust God more fully. The Prince of peace desires to me to walk with Him every moment of every day, believing all His promises, and obey Him.
I hope you and I will “be still and know that [He is] God” in 2019. May His love cast out all fear in us and may He empower us to trust and obey Him in all things.
A blessed new year to you,
Don
FEAR NOT
written by Don Johnson, Hannah Johnson, Anna Bosworth
Verse 1:
In a world full of despair
There’s pain and sorrow everywhere
People are crying out
Filled with fear and doubt
Who will bring them peace,
in all their suffering?
There’s pain and sorrow everywhere
People are crying out
Filled with fear and doubt
Who will bring them peace,
in all their suffering?
Chorus 1:
Fear not, He has come
Fear not, He has come
God with us, Emmanuel
Fear not, there in a manager
Is the Prince of peace Our King and Savior
Fear not
