ch an encouragement to realize that nearly all Bible characters were the same – as human, as weak, as prone to sin as I, even the great men of faith like Abraham and Moses. And more wonderful was to see how God came gently to each, not roughing them up, but reassured them He was with them, so there was no need to fear. He is the same today – with me; with every one who believes in and trusts Him. The poem “Fear Not” is the result of my exploration of just when God said these words and to whom.Be encouraged too!
Fear Not
“Fear not for I have formed you;
fear not: I have redeemed you;
fear not: you are Mine!
Your Saviour for all time”.
(Is.43:1,3)
“Fear not”, God’s word to Abraham;
My covenant with you stands.
It is I who will reward you;
My promise will come true.”
(Gen.15:1)
“Fear not” God spoke to Moses
when an enemy a threat poses.
“I will deliver into your hands;
you take possession of the land”.
(Num.21:34-35)
“Be not afraid nor dismayed”,
to Joshua did God say;
“Wherever you go, I’ll be with you,
but be careful My Book to do”.
(Josh.1:8-9)
“Do not fear”: the word to His people;
“You are chosen by Me… don’t be feeble!
To strengthen and help you, I plan
and will hold you with My right hand”.
(Is.41:9-10)
To Gideon as well as Isaiah,
to David and Jeremiah:
“Do not be dismayed or afraid
for I am with you”, God did say.
(Ps.56:11, Jud.6:23, Jer.1:8)
The same reassurance years later:
An angel to Mary spake it;
Zacharias and Joseph too
and when frightened shepherds heard the news.
(Matt.1:20, Lk.1:13,30,2:9-10 )
Remember the storm on the lake…..
disciples feared through lack of faith.
But Jesus came walking the waves
and said, “It is I; do not be afraid”.
(John 6:19-20)
To the tomb an angel was sent
to console the grieving women:
“Jesus has risen! Be not afraid;
Come, see the place where He lay”.
(Matt.28:5-6)
When the disciples were locked in a room
frightened and full of gloom,
Jesus came and spoke gently to each,
“It is I! See my wounds! Be at peace!”
(Lk.24:36-39)
God’s message to the anxious don’t miss;
be comforted, strengthened by this:
God cares for the sparrows; the lilies He grows;
yet more value on us, He bestows.
(Matt.6:25-28)
In all our trials and fears
Jesus says, “Be not troubled….. Believe!
Your real home waits you in heaven:
I’ll be with you for ever and ever”.
(John 14:1-3)
Do not fear if suffering you find;
persecution lasts only a time.
Be faithful to God, even to death.
The Crown of Life yours for enduring the test.
(Rev.2:10)
So the sum of it all for us:
trust in God is a must!
With our hope anchored firmly in Him,
fear will not, yea cannot win.
(Ps.56:3, 42:6,11, Heb.6:19)
