I’ve heard that there are 365 ‘do not fear’ verses in the Bible, one for every day. And since fearing people instead of fearing God is a big struggle for me, I decided to look into this. And the more I looked into this – and was encouraged and challenged – the more I realized I had to share this with others. So, let’s start this journey together; but I don’t think it will last 365 days!
Day 1 – A Fearful Start
Genesis 15:1 After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not fear, Abram, I am a shield to you; Your reward shall be very great.”
Story (by Hannah Ross): At this point in time, Abram (note, not Abraham) has defeated five kings and their armies through God. If you’re like me, this is jaw-dropping news. Abram was to me this man with enough faith to follow God’s words. I pictured him as a wise, old man because of God who rode around on camels! Abraham is a father of many people, but he is also a warrior? Abram has upgraded from just an old man of faith to like Gandalf, with wizard faith! God knows how to make things so much cooler!
Another thing to note is that God is awesome and He makes Himself known. At the end of the recent battle, a sixth king praises God for His greatness. God shows Himself to be trustworthy. Abram has already won the battle, and yet God says here to Abram, “I am a shield to you.” God is showing Abram that He both works and says the same thing. In doing so, God shows that He is both trustworthy in what He does and in what He says.
My prayer response: Father, You know us so well. You know how we need these words of assurance about Your presence and protection. There is no reason to fear when we consider who You are – which You repeatedly reveal to us! Thank you for such grace, being all of who You are, and yet relating to us!
Day 2 – Tears of Fears
Genesis 21:17 God heard the lad crying; and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, “What is the matter with you, Hagar? Do not fear, for God has heard the voice of the lad where he is.”
Story: Hagar and Ishmael her son have been sent away by Abraham, and she wanders in the wilderness of southern Israel. They are out of water, and Hagar believes death is coming. So she leaves her son under a bush and moves away; she can still hear him but she can’t see him. God speaks to her in the midst of her tears, and promises in verse 18 to make a great nation from Ishmael. I love that while God interacts with Hagar, He’s also very much aware of Ishmael. He hears the lad crying; he knows where the lad is. The reason to not fear is because God sees, hears, and knows!
My prayer response: Father, nothing in my life is unknown to You. I can trust You with everything and anything. Especially in facing the unknown – which is only unknown to me, but known to You. And You know me. You understand me! You know when I am afraid, why I am afraid, and what truth I need about You.
May the Lord hear your voice today!
Day 3 – Fear and Fellowship
Genesis 22:12 He [the angel of the LORD] said, “Do not stretch out your hand against the lad, and do nothing to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.”
Story: Jumping into this story right away, it’s hard to fathom how Abraham could do this. Or how God could ask this of Abraham. But there’s a long relationship of 25 years that has been developing. By this time, Abraham confidently knows that God will fulfill His promises of blessing through Isaac. So when God asks Abraham to offer his son as a sacrifice. Abraham obeys, trusting that God will provide. The angel of the LORD (who I believe is Jesus) stops Abraham just at the moment Abraham is ready to slay his son. Fearing God is much more than full obedience; there’s also an enormous amount of intimacy and fellowship with Him.
My prayer response: Father, I want to fear and know You like this. That I would withhold nothing back from You. That I have total trust that You work all things for good, even the things that cost me dearly or the things that I don’t understand. Increase my faith in You!
Feel free to share this with anyone you know. If you’d like someone to be added to this, please let me know. If you would like to be taken off of this, please replay back with ‘Stop’.
May the Lord provide for you today!
Day 4 – Afraid at Night
Genesis 28:17 He [Jacob] was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.”
Story (by Hannah Ross): Jacob, before this verse, is sent away to his uncle in order to perhaps find a wife and a living. After walking much, he lies down, using a rock as a pillow (apparently, he didn’t pack one). While sleeping, Jacob sees a ladder with angels going up and down. One end of the ladder is touching the earth, and the other is reaching to heaven. We can conclude that the angels descending were sent on missions from God to earth; the angels ascending had finished their mission and were returning for their next mission. I like to note that one meaning of this vision God knows what is going on earth and is working. The question though is why did God show this to Jacob? God reveals Himself and repeats the promise given to Abraham many years ago. Jacob’s first reaction when he wakes up is to be afraid, and who wouldn’t be? God showed Himself to Jacob, and Jacob is awe-struck.
My Prayer Response: Father, show us Your glory. Let us come to know You more and more, even as this was the start of how Jacob came to know You more and more. Nothing else in life compares how incredible and amazing You are, and I want more of You. Help me to see and know You through Your Word and through Your Son!
May the Lord show you His glory today!
Day 5 – Fearful Friday
Genesis 46:3 He said, “I am God, the God of your father; do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you a great nation there.
Story: Jacob was coming to the end of his life, but was still living in the land that God had promised to him, his fathers, and his descendants. But suddenly, his family is on the move to Egypt, because Joseph, his long lost son, is there as second in command. Was Jacob supposed to stay in the Promised Land? Or was he supposed to be reunited with his son? With all of these concerns and worries, God appears to Jacob, calming his fears and making a promise of prosperity and blessing in Egypt.
My prayer response: Father, once again You show how You know and understand us. You speak to Jacob in just the way he needed to hear, giving him confidence to go forward. So many times, I am hesitant to move, to go forward, to proceed. Remind me to seek Your help and guidance. Remind me that You are with me, and I can go forward boldly in what You have given me to do today!
May the LORD give you confidence to go forward today!