#9 When God Is For Us

"Do not fear." This exact phrase is used 35 times in the Bible. Examples of use: 1) when Moses delivered the 10 Commandments to the people; 2) When Gideon realized he was standing before the pre-incarnate Christ; 3) When Mephibosheth was brought before David; 4) when the church in Smyrna was told by Jesus that Satan would be attacking them. Most of the time, who or what we fear is who or what we serve. Joshua led Israel across the Jordan River and they have destroyed Jericho and everything in it. So when Joshua fights against Ai and loses, a terrible realization hits Joshua. Even before Joshua has a chance to begin drawing up plans, God comes to him and says, "Do not fear." When Jesus is at the helm, there is nothing to fear. It's when Jesus is not at the helm we have things to fear. The command from God enabled Joshua to attack Ai again. 1) Because the Lord was on his side, Joshua knew that divine wisdom would be enabling him; 2) Joshua knew that divine power would be enabling him; and 3)Joshua knew that divine generosity would be following him. God delights to bless his people. God doesn't promise earthly riches. The Beatitudes display the generosity of God who has called us out of the kingdom of darkness and into the kingdom of light. Examine what it is that you are afraid of in life. What do you fear? Then realize that Jesus is the answer for that fear.