Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 7-9; Luke 19: 1-28.
Memory Verse: “For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow.” Luke 19:21 (KJV)
A number of believers spend more time praying about the devil and it’s agents than they spend deepening their relationship with God. The source of such actions is often laden with fear! There are two types of fear stated in the Bible; commanded and forbidden fear.
The Commanded fear is the fear of God (Ecclesiastes 12:13) and it essentially leads to holiness, makes one to work out his salvation and also often aid evangelism because of the fear of people going to hell. On the other hand Forbidden fear is synonymous with alarm, fright, perplexity, anxiety, dread and terror amongst others (Psalm 91:5). It is condemned and can be neutralized by love. Some examples include fear of failure, future, responsibility, death, truth, insecurity and old age. This fear brings about defeat, torment, renders one useless and kills. That is the case of the man with one talent such that fear made him unproductive! He said in Luke 19:21 (KJV), “For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow.”
It is said that the opposite of fear is faith. Thus, faith in God is the main antidote to fear. You should recognize that God is sovereign and can do all things. Besides, He is bigger than any situation and you should therefore place your hope on hyim and not on any individual no matter his position. Remember the warning of our Lord Jesus in Luke 12:4-5 (KJV), “And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. [5] But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.”
When you are in a difficult situation that may bring about fear, remember the word of God in Philippians 4:6 (KJV), “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” So always take everything to God in prayer and He will give you peace that passes all understanding even in the midst of storms!
Action Plan: Fear no man or situation but fear God.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero