Do Not Fear

Since it is now May, it means we are almost half way through 2019! (Crazy, right?!?) If you’re like me, you like the idea of a New Year’s resolution, but never actually make one. This year I attempted to make two. The first one is what I want to talk about today. It’s this: not to let fear control me or make decisions for me. To not live out fear but to live boldly for God (Proverbs 28:1).

Now, obviously some fear is good, like fear of touching a hot stove or something similar, but I’m not talking about that kind of fear. I’m talking about a more particular kind of fear: the fear of judgment. If you have read my blogs about my testimony, then you know fear had a grip on me for a long time. I was always afraid of what people would think of me. I was always afraid that I would mess up and fail. I never tried or really attempted to try anything new. Let me tell you, my friend, God does not want us to live this way. 1 John 4:18 helped me to realize that I needed to stop living out of fear:

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love” (NIV).

Since God, my family, and my friends love me, I don’t have to be afraid. I don’t have to be afraid to mess up or make mistakes because I know they still love me. God’s love is perfect and it never ends. I needed to realize that the people around me were going to love me for who I was. I needed to realize the only thing that matters is what I am worth in God’s sight.

Did you know that the phrase “Don’t be afraid” or “Do not fear” is recorded three hundred sixty five times in the Bible? Isn’t that amazing! One for every day of the year. My parents always taught me that if something is repeated in the Bible, you need to listen up! It’s important if it’s worth repeating, especially three hundred sixty five times! I think that says something. How great is it that the Creator of the universe knew and knows that we, as humans, give into fear daily? He knew and knows that we need someone to tell us daily, “Don’t be afraid.”

To close out this blog, please hear me say this: Please stop living your life out of fear! Let God help you overcome those fears. Maybe it’s stepping out of your comfort zone and doing something you’ve never done. Maybe it’s being a friend to someone who really needs one. Whatever it may be, please don’t let fear stop you from doing what you know is right, especially in God’s sight (Isaiah 41:10,13).

Alyssa Rasor

P.S. Leave a comment below and share what fear God has helped you to overcome!