Not a Suggestion March 4, 2015

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”  Joshua 1:9 ESV

The Bible is replete with verses designed to give Christians courage.  In Isaiah 41:10 God tells the Israelites,"fear not, for I am with you".  Jesus encourages his disciples to "have no fear of them
(those who wish to do the disciples harm),". Matthew 10:26.  We are advised to "be not anxious about anything" in Philippians 4.  While God should not have to offer qualifiers to His word, some of the be-not-afraid verses might come across as suggestions.  They appear to be a "good idea if you can pull it off" tip for living a better life.  However, in Joshua 1:9, God is very emphatic in regards to fear's place in His children.

"Have I not commanded (italics mine) you? Be strong and courageous.  Do not be frightened."  Commanded.  No gray area.  Not a suggestion.  Not just a good idea.  A command.

As a child of God we are not to fear.  Period.  God has spoken.  Fear has no place in the life of His children. But what about cancer?  I don't see a qualifier for illness.  What about ISIS?  Not seeing a martyr exception. 

So if God has given His followers an order, it is logical to assume He has given us the tools necessary to follow His command.  It is at this juncture where the rubber hits the road.  Scripture is clear on God's stance on fear, but the challenge comes in putting His word into practice.

How does one keep the fear at bay?  In light of all that is taking place in our homes, community, and world, is it possible to live fear-free lives?  If God commands, then God will equip.

1.  Hide.  Is Psalm 119 David wrote, "I have hidden His word in my heart."  Jesus used scripture to combat Satan's attacks.  Research and memorize scripture verses that deal with God's strength and deliverance.  The Psalms are a good place to start.

2.  Hunker.  Go to your prayer closet and get serious about prayer.  Hunker down with God.  Pray.  Cry out to Him.  Spend time alone with God talking to Him about today and tomorrow.  Let Him be a part of the anxiety, worries, fears.  

3.  Harken.  Remember those times in the past when He has delivered you.  The Israelite nation would build alters to commemorate significant God-happenings in the life of their fledgling nation.  Recall to mind God's deliverance in your life.  Reflect on and thank Him for those times in your life when His hand pulled you from the fiery furnace.

4.  Head to Heart.  Finally, claim God's power in your life.  Allow the head knowledge to become heart knowledge.  Ask Him to impress and imprint His promises on your very being.  

Fear can manifest itself in many ways.  Christians living in various areas of our world are faced with situations I can only imagine.  Prison, torture, death await many of our brothers and sisters in Christ.  For them, "do not be afraid" takes on a whole different level of effort and faith.  But even in warm, safe middle America, we face fears.  Unemployment.  Loneliness.  Depression.  Financial struggles.   No matter what the cause, we are commanded to "be strong and courageous".  Will we be obedient?