Fear Not, Neither Be Discouraged

Deuteronomy 1:21
Behold, the Lord thy God hath set the land before thee: go up and possess it, as the Lord God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged. [ncv: don’t be afraid and don’t worry].

This was a time when Moses and the people finally came into the “future Promise Land” and the people were scared of difficulties, oppositions and more battles coming up. The word ‘fear’ seems to be very common among people. They were always afraid of many things that they want to go back to Egypt. Why? Because it was their ‘security’ and it was 'safe' for them to ‘stay home.’ But that was not what God wants. He had a bigger plan for them and a better place for His people. The land of the ‘unknown’ was a very fearful thing for them. They were discouraged. So what does the word, fear really mean?

Fear mean being afraid; feeling that danger or evil is near; dread; an uneasy feeling; anxious thought and concern. Dread mean look forward to fear; dislike to experience; fear greatly; fear of something will happen or may happen. Discourage means take away the courage or brave; reduce the hope or have no confidence that thing will work. Fear hinder us from doing something great.

Another scripture in Deut. 1:29,30 “… Dread not, neither be afraid of them. [ncv: Don’t be frightened; don’t be afraid…] The Lord your God which goeth before you, he shall fight for you, according to all that he did for you in Egypt before your eyes.”

God’s words of encouragement were in Deut. 3:22 ‘Ye shall not fear them for the Lord your God shall fight for you.’ The Israelite faced powerful enemies whom they could not defeat them in their own strength. Israel’s natural tendency was to fear the awful consequences [result] of defeat. ONLY BY LOOKING TO GOD, THEY COULD GAIN VICTORY. God’s word encouraged them to look to God who was bigger than the enemies. He showed His power in Egypt and He can do it again for them.

We as believers in Christ do face a lot of difficulties and a lot of battles. BUT the Lord your God will fight for you. God promise to be with you, give you the strength and the power to accomplish or do His will.

Our prayers to God will help us realize that He alone has the strength to heal, and strength to give us the courage to face whatever we need. God in us can do the job He asks us to do. Greater is He that is in you than he [devil] that is in the world.

When you believe, you feel the strength. When you trust God, you sense the blessing. When you love God, you feel the peace and the joy of knowing that He does care for you. Also know that the Lord your shall fight for you [Deut. 3:22].

So trust God today!

PS. Song: "Faith in God"
Faith in God can move a mighty mountain.
Faith in God can calm the troubled sea,
Faith will make the desert like the fountain,
Faith will bring the victory.
(Song Collection)