5 Verses On Fearing Not
I was getting ready for work and my roomie asked me if I had seen the news yet. I had not. My whole day and the following week was consumed with watching the news regarding the mass shooting in Vegas. I had friends in attendance. People within our church community knew someone there that was shot, killed - thousands were now overcome by fear and had a heavy heart trying to sort through the chaos that happened that Sunday.
As we now work through the emotional heaviness or physical pain, it is important to look to God’s word when it comes to fear.
1.“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
I think in the midst of fear, the easiest thing to give into is fear. However, God is sovereign. It is through our faith that we can find strength and help. I’ve heard of so many stories that have come out of Vegas - one man within our community who helped rescue people and transport them to the hospital, who then found himself wounded. Amidst pain, he still found the strength to stand when meeting the President.
2. “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” Psalm 56:3
As our news surrounded us with theories and ideas of what happened and how it was done, it is easy to be afraid and to wonder why. Fear and anxiety can easily overcome us. Secondhand trauma (secondary traumatic stress) is real and can consume you if you are not careful. It is important to focus on other things, to seek professional help, and to pray.
3. “And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.” Romans 8:38-39
No matter what happens, we can never be separated from God’s love. Repeat that with me, NEVER. God’s love is ever-present. Death will happen eventually, but it will not separate us. God’s love doesn’t always physically rescue us from calamity but it does allow us to feel His presence and have everlasting joy. Like in the book of Daniel, it’s not always about him rescuing us from the fire but about his presence with us in the fire.
4. “The Lord your God is in your midst, A victorious warrior. He will exult over you with joy, He will be quiet in His love, He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy.” Zephaniah 3:17
He is with you. You are a victorious warrior with His presence because He is our warrior. He fights the battle for you and with you. In His presence you can feel joy, He shouts and rejoices over you as His daughter or son.
5. “Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid.” John 14:27
God’s peace is a beautiful thing, it never leaves you and it provides such calmness and rest to our soul, especially when we are anxious. We have nothing to fear or be afraid of when we have God’s peace.
In the midst of the aftermath of the shooting, and now these fires, know that God is with you, do no fear. If you need to speak with someone regarding any stress, trauma, or anxiety, the church has a wonderful counseling department.