Fear Not – LIFE
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Jesus tells each of us not to fear the things of this life..
Yet life and living is one of the most fearful experiences !
And few would likely engage in this life from mere choice.
The responsibilities in life are crushing
– its circumstances can be momentous -
– Its risks are terrifying ..
– its issues can be traumatic ..
– its relationships can be painful.
The facts and realities of life can cause the stoutest heart to shrink back in horror.
The Preacher* observed that the dead and unborn are better off than the living…
Yes … life means a liability to pain and sorrow – to weariness and grief.
To millions their life-story is one of pain and toil – hunger, hurt, crushing burdens.
Job reminds us, “Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble.”
Life ushers in Poverty and its accompanying handmaidens ..
– Hunger; Squalor; Cold; Nakedness; Ruin; Contempt; Bondage; Travail.
To multitudes life is a slog and slavery – as fraud and failures envelop life’s journey.
Job also cried, “Let the day perish wherein I was born.. and a man-child conceived.”
Life similarly is accompanied by loneliness, rejection and failed friendships..
And as life slips past we discover ourselves in a world of strangers – bereft of love.
And Life is awash with temptations – as trials pour though the floodgates of time,
And sin – the eternal ruin of our race, can cause man and woman to despair of life.
Job further distressed “Would to God that I had never been born..”
To believer and heathen alike – it can appear that life is an unwanted gift.
To both saint and sinner – God appears impotent, uncaring and incapable of help!
But the Lord knows ALL these things and He understands our cares and concerns..
Yet HOW is it that He can so confidently proclaim Fear not – fear not this life ?
He knows that we are but dust – and has purposed that it should not always be so..
His plans and purposes are for man to escape from a life of sin and slavery..
– a plan made from before the foundation of the world….
And eye has not seen nor ear heard what He has in store for those that love Him..
And YET – I hear you say – “I am living NOW… in this sin-sick, forsaken world…
– and life is rushing me by – with no sign of comfort and no indication of relief!”
Fear not -
Throughout scripture we hear the same melodious tones of grace and mercy
That He will be with you whatever betide – and that the best is yet to come..
– when Christ will rule the earth as King ..
– and you will be His co-heir on His throne..
Are you NOW fearful of pain ?
“Fear Not – for I have redeemed you,
I have called you by name – you are MINE. Isa.43:1
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you,
When you go through the rivers – they will not overflow you,
When you walk on fire – you will not be burned…” Isa.43:2
Are you fearful of weariness ? Jesus said:
” Come to me – Fear Not – I will strengthen you – YES I will help you …
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand …” Isa.41:10
Are you fearful of poverty and loss ? He tells us:
“Fear Not I am the Lord Who provides…
Are not two sparrow sold for a farthing -
are you not more valuable to Me? Matt.10:29
“The very hairs of your head are numbered” Lk.2:7
“I have ALL your tears in my bottle…” Psa.58:8
Are you NOW fearful of loneliness and rejection ?
“Fear Not -I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Heb. 13:15
Are you NOW fearful of temptations and trials ?
“Fear Not – God is faithful
Who will not suffer you to be tempted …
above what you are able to bear-
but will make a way of escape…..
so that you WILL be able to bear it.” 1Cor.10:13
Fear not – for the things in this life are passing away…
But IN HIM you are HIS Life – and have been raised to NEWNESS of His Life
To reign with Him in the age that is to come – for 1000 years – the Millennium
But ALSO
To live with Him in the eternal ages that are to follow.
That in the ages to come -
He might shew the exceeding riches of his grace
in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus Eph.2:7
to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God
might be made known by the church (that is THROUGH YOU)
to the rulers and authorities
in the heavenly places… Eph.3:10
Therefore put on the
WHOLE armor of God….
and stand firm…
to the end Eph.6:11ff
and Fear Not — LIFE
- Listen to the Audio:
-
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
- Download the Audio:
- Fear Not – LIFE
Elizabeth Haworth
Latest posts by Elizabeth Haworth (see all)
- The Besetting Sin – May 25, 2013
- -1John 5:21 (ESV) Credits SEO – May 25, 2013
- Stripping Off Hindrances – May 24, 2013
- -Romans 14:17 (Holman) – May 24, 2013
- A Great Cloud of Witnesses – May 23, 2013
Today's Devotionals
-
Knowing Jesus Devotional: The Besetting SinDaily Light: May 25My Utmost: The Test Of Self-InterestOpen Windows: Strength Through Testing