“And fear not them which kill the body, but rather fear Him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell,” (Matthew 10:28).
As Jesus prepared to send out His disciples He warned them that they would not be received by all men, (Matthew 10:5-15): He compared their labor to sending “sheep in the midst of wolves,” (Matthew 10:16-18). He warned that they would be persecuted, (Matthew 10:21-23). When He had told them these things, He then told them not to fear what men might do but lean on God and everything would be accounted for the eternal reward, (Matthew 10:26-42).
Fear is very much a part of the lives of man. Yet, the Bible teaches that we have nothing here on earth to fear, because God is in control and will take care of His people. Paul told Timothy, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind,” (II Timothy 1:7).
In the Roman letter we are told that nothing can separate us from the love of God; not even death, (Romans 8:35, 36). The writer then states, “Nay, in all things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things to come, nor height, not depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us form the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord”,” (Romans 8:37-39).
God told Isaiah concerning Israel, “Say to them that are of a fearful heart, be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with recompense; He will come and save you,” (Isaiah 35:4). In the light of God’s care for His people, the Hebrew author stated, “So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me,” (Hebrews 13:6), and we are able to stand, prepared for eternity with Him in heaven.
David wrote, in spite of all the trials of his life, “I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me to dwell in safety,” (Psalm 4:8). With the Lord on our side no one can stand against us. David also stated, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me,” (Psalm 23:4).
When we feel afraid, there is no place to go but to the Lord. He can calm the heart and comfort the soul as no other can!
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