Day 366: Matthew 28:10

"Then Jesus said to them, 'Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.'" ~Matthew 28:10, NIV

Today concludes a strange journey I set out upon 365 days ago. I sought to see if indeed, there was a verse for every day of the Gregorian year counteracting fear, and I found... Well. This blog has documented my findings, interpretations, and exhortations of the lack of 365 verses that directly state "fear not," or "don't be afraid". The instances are many, some repeat, but the situations can be boiled down to three: God directly telling His people to fear not, God using angels to tell His people to fear not, and God using other godly men to tell His people to fear not.

After Jesus was risen from the dead, some of His female disciples went to His tomb only to find it empty. This verse is just after He's appeared to them, and they fell down at His feet and worshipped Him, and I think it's a fine word to end this year by.

Don't be afraid - in fact, take what you've learned and share it with the world. Jesus said "go and tell my brothers". His plan is that we should go and tell the whole world this very news: that Christ is risen from the dead, we can be one with God again. For this, this is the good news, and this, this is the reason why we shall never have to fear.

Have a great 2013!

Day 351: Philippians 4:7

"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." ~Philippians 4:7, NIV

Okay, what is fear but an attack on your security? Well, Paul says to the Philippians that the peace of God will guard our hearts and minds thanks to our hope in Jesus. And if our hearts are guarded by this peace, that means that fear can't get in and take a hold, right?

If you're facing fear, ask your father for His peace. Just as earthly fathers give their sons and daughters good gifts, so much more will your heavenly father give you what you need when you need it.

Be still and know, calm your heart and understand that He is God, and let that knowledge fill your heart with His love.

Day 347: 1 Timothy 6:17

"Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment." ~1 Timothy 6:17, NIV

In America, sometimes it seems that we are only thankful at Thanksgiving - and even then it only lasts for as long as dinner. It may be that we're ungrateful because we have to much to be grateful for, or simply because we don't realize how much that really is.

Face it - if you're reading this online, chances are good that you're pretty rich. Have a roof over your head? A full or contented stomach? A bed to sleep in? Easy access to water? 15 dollars at your leisure? Yup, you're definitely richer than 75% of the world (though 91% of statistics are made up on the spot, and the Internet is not infallible).

Paul was telling Timothy about people like you. Hear, and know that God is your hope.

Day 346: Matthew 10:28

"Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell." ~Matthew 10:28, NIV

Jesus knew what was up. Like David, He understood and thus explained that the body isn't the most important aspect of life - but the spirit, on the other hand...

Look, evil and frightening people will do what they want with your body, but they can't even begin to touch your mind, your spirit. They can influence, but they can never control your thoughts, who you are. So yeah, they can do terrible things, but your spirit is safe in God's hands - fear Him, rather, because He's the one who determines where you spend your afterlife.

If you didn't believe David, I guess there's no reason why you would believe Jesus, but both of them explained this simple truth.

Day 337: Luke 21:12-18

"But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you. They will hand you over to synagogues and put you in prison, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. And so you will bear testimony to me. But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers and sisters, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. Everyone will hate you because of me. But not a hair of your head will perish." ~Luke 21:12-18, NIV

Verse 19 continues to say that if we stand firm, we will have life - not necessarily this physical life, but life as God intended it. The fact of the matter is exactly as Jesus stated it above. We're going to face a lot of trials in our lives, some more challenging to our faith than others, and we're going to get a lot of grief for the fact that we believe He's the Messiah.

On the flipside, He's also with us. He says that "not a hair of your head will perish." You will survive, even if it's in the afterlife. It's not going to be easy, but believe, and remember that in all of it, He's with you.

Day 324: Matthew 6:34

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." ~Matthew 6:34, NIV

Jesus is speaking to a crowd on a mountain, and summarizing some good-life suggestions. A list of the important things includes giving to the needy, prayer, fasting, treasures in heaven, and not worrying.

Whoa. Okay, there's a lot of things going on here - but one thing that Jesus hammers home is this whole idea of not worrying. Regardless of your spirituality, when it all comes down to it, what good does worry do?

Does it inspire a change? Then it's good, and not really worry, that chronic event. Do you obsess over your problem and do nothing to alleviate your worries? Then you're wasting your time. And what good is wasting your time?

Logic has just proven our good Lord's words sound. So if the fact that your good Lord has said it does not convince you, allow categorical analysis to suffice, please.

God bless.

Day 321: Luke 4:18

"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind,
to set the oppressed free." ~Luke 4:18, NIV

In this part of Luke, Jesus is in a synagogue, reading scripture. He reads this passage from Isaiah, and then looks to the crowd, saying, "you have seen this come to pass today." Jesus took the hope that the Old Testament heroes looked to and embodied it.

He knew it was true - the Spirit was upon Him and enabled Him to do everything He did. Be it bringing good news to the poor, setting psychological captives free, healing the sick, delivering His people from sin, Jesus did it all, and continues to do so today.

People used to look forward to the hope of the Messiah, but we have it with us today - and what better way to prevent fear than to fill up on hope? The promise made in the Old Testament is fulfilled by Jesus, and if you feel like you could be poor, a captive, sick, or oppressed, please take courage: Jesus came to rescue you. If you've accepted Him, He has saved you and will save you. If not, He's only a conversation away.

Day 319: 1 John 4:18

"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." ~1 John 4:18, NIV

When you first consider Christianity, it certainly seems as fear-based as Judaism - it seems to say "obey me because otherwise you're going to hell." And while it's true that otherwise you are going to hell, that's not the crux of Christianity.

A relationship with Jesus Christ, on the other hand, is.

It was His first love that gave us any chance of skipping out on Hell. And it is His love that reaches out to save you. Christianity as intended is more of a "obey me or you're gonna miss out on God's great love" than a "go to Hell" kind of philosophy.

Christ's perfect love casts out ALL fear. And only with Him inside of you, with His perfect love functioning as a part of you, can you live in God's plan of no fear for your life.

Perfect love isn't attainable, it's given, and freely at that.

Day 317: Hebrews 13:8

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." ~Hebrews 13:8, NIV

All of the hope I have in this world, isn't in this world at all - it's in Jesus, and His act of death so I could one day pray to Him, get my sins forgiven, and begin the best relationship ever that allows me to go to Heaven when I die.

This hope is like the man Himself - it is as potent as it was when He first rose from the dead today, and it will always stay the same. Jesus, the source of all hope, never changes - as the verse says, He is the same yesterday, and today, and forever. 

The love He has for us never diminishes. His power never diminishes. His validity never diminishes. And what He stands for will outlast time. This Jesus... this is what we Christians put our hope in: God's faithfulness.

Day 315: 2 Timothy 4:18

"The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen." ~2 Timothy 4:18, NIV

As far as I know, Paul is writing Timothy from his "prison" in Rome. This part of the letter is a short summary of instruction for Timothy, because Paul knows his time is running short. But like every Christian, he knows two things:

1) No matter what happens, God is good
2) No matter what happens, He will be rescued

We have to be aware that God's ways are not our own, and that God's idea of rescue might be our human idea of demise. I think Paul is also referring here to things that could possibly damage and weaken his faith in Christ. If the attacks were successful, he would be in even more trouble.

But Jesus takes care of His sheep, and Paul knows He will rescue him from every evil attack, no matter what kind, no matter when it comes, no matter how it ends.

In the end, our lives are to be lived to His glory - whatever that means for us, we are to choose to be witnesses. Fearless. That's how we should be following Him.

Day 314: Hebrews 11:23

"By faith Moses' parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king's edict." ~Hebrews 11:23, NIV

In this passage of Hebrews, James is talking about different people in history who have had extraordinary faith that made them righteous in God's eyes. Unsurprisingly, Moses and his parents are listed.

From the beginning of time, God has ordained certain people to do certain things. Way back in the Old Testament, He had already chosen people like Noah, Abraham, Joseph, all the kings and prophets, and of course Moses, to do His will. These people were special, anyone could see it. The first three examples knew, heard, and obeyed God's voice. It was clear to see, but in Moses' case, it probably wasn't just adoring parents who saw something more: I suspect God had placed that "something" upon His chosen servant.

Moses' parents were just doing what all godly people should: hearing the voice of God and obeying it. In doing His will, we are right with God, even if not with the authorities of the world. But that shouldn't matter - yes, obey authority, but more than that, we are called to obey God.

Don't spurn Earthly authority, for it is a shadow of God's authority, but don't obey it if it runs in contrast to what God and His word show. Who knows - your fearless obedience may be what frees a captive nation from their bonds.

Day 312: Mark 4:40

"He said to his disciples, 'Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?'" ~Mark 4:40, NIV

Jesus had perfect control over His fear. That doesn't mean He was never afraid, but He never let fear dictate His actions - whatever He saw the Father doing, He did also. Once He was in the boat while His disciples were going across the sea. He was tired, so He was napping, and a great storm came up.

The disciples feared for their lives, and they woke up Jesus. "Don't you care if we drown?" they screamed in His face. I bet that, rubbing the sleep out of His eyes, He stood and told the wind and waves to shut it.

That probably silenced His disciples too. In the stunned silence He probably looked them over, and asked the above. They were afraid of death, and I suspect they were also afraid of Jesus. He had, after all, just been interrupted of His nap, and was likely irritable.

In all seriousness, the disciples had seen and participated in plenty of miracles at that point. It's totally possible that if they had had faith, they could have calmed the waves. It's also possible that they would have survived the storm.

Jesus isn't napping in our boat, He's always awake, alive and aware inside of us, bidding us to do what we see Him do. When we let fear get the best of us, I bet He's saying the above. "Why are you afraid? Don't you trust me?

Do my people still have no faith?"

Day 310: 1 Corinthians 10:13

"No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." ~1 Corinthians 10:13, NIV

What a great verse, and a fantastic reminder of God's promise! Once we've submitted ourselves to God, He is gracious and as stated above, will not LET you be tempted to do evil beyond what you can restrain yourself from.

If you don't, it's not because the attraction was too strong, it's because you chose poorly, because as this verse says, even when you are tempted, there will always be an out. You won't be, you can't be trapped; Jesus has always left you a delivering path to take.

You can endure it. You can make wise choices. God has given you that capability, but you must choose to use it - He will never force you to do anything.

Day 306: Luke 8:50

"Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, 'Don't be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.'" ~Luke 8:50, NIV

Jairus had asked Jesus to come to his house and heal his daughter, and Jesus, being who He is, said yes. On the way we know that another healing took place, one that 'cost' time. Messengers told Jairus his daughter was dead, and that he didn't need to bother the teacher.

The situation probably seemed hopeless to Jairus, but Jesus knew better. He said something I love to repeat: Don't be afraid; just believe.

Our situations often seem hopeless, because we have a very limited perspective and struggle learning God's perspective. But He knows what He sees, and He knows what He will do. And from past experiences, usually it is stunning. In your hopeless situation, don't let fear consume you, but believe He is watching and waiting and going to act in you.

Jairus' daughter was raised from the dead. What's He gonna do for you?

Day 298: Matthew 1:20

"But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, 'Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.'" ~Matthew 1:20, NIV

Would all people frightened by supernatural activity please raise their hands? I mean seriously, some things just aren't meant to happen. And sometimes people lie about some things happening. It can be hard to quite know what's okay and what's not, and the unknown is a terrifying thing.

That's pretty much Joseph's situation - something crazy has happened, and he doesn't know if his fiancee is lying to him or if God is actually doing something crazier than turning the sky green.

Note: if you are ever wondering if something is from God or not, just ask Him. He won't get mad at you, and chances are highly in favor of Him answering you like He did Joseph's unspoken query.

Another thing that we can take from Joseph's story is the simple fact that God's plan is always for the very best, and you don't have to be afraid of it. Even if it's scary, even if it makes you want to curl up in a ball, give it a chance, because you'll definitely be better off trying and finding out it's okay than not and missing out.

After all, didn't the angel tell Joseph to fear not in taking Mary as his wife? Wasn't that God's plan? And didn't it end with the birth of one of the most influential beings in history?

Day 293: James 5:16

"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." ~James 5:16, NIV

The context of this verse is the "prayer of faith", as described to be capable of asking for and receiving anything. Our fears can stem from many things - nature, nurture, spirit... But prayer brings faith, prayer hands the issue off to God so you don't have to worry about it anymore.

And while the Bible does tell us to pray for ourselves (ask and you shall receive) we are the body of Christ, and in a body, if one cell is sick, there's damage to the whole body. You are important to the body, and it's up to God through (disclaimer: not always) the body to take care of you.

It's also our responsibility as the body to take care of each other, and prayer is the "least" we can do - yet look at what James says! Prayer is powerful and effective. So it's not a small thing to do, and isn't it so simple? And can't we banish each other's fears by asking God to do so? And don't we foster a loving, caring atmosphere that growth easily comes to when we do so?

And don't we break down barriers that humans erect when we do so?

Day 291: Hebrews 2:13

"And again, 'I will put my trust in him.'" ~Hebrews 2:13, NIV

So in Hebrews James is discussing how Jesus confidently came to His father and called us His children, His sisters, His brothers. He is quoting Isaiah, but even as He does so He says "I will put my trust in Him."

If He is our father and our "brother" and Savior Jesus chose to trust Him, how much more can we? And those words that had been in existence for hundreds of years before suddenly came to pass - and what joy is in that!

Again, (because it's not a one time procedure or a single example in the contextual passage,) I will put my trust in Him who created me to make me whole.

Day 290: 2 Timothy 1:12

"That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day" ~2 Timothy 1:12, NIV

Paul, after changing ways on the road to Damascus, was one of the most fantastic apostles in the Bible. He gave everything to God's cause, and as he tells Timothy in the verse above, he suffered for it.

But he didn't mind, because he trusted that God was able to guard his soul, his life, that which he had entrusted unto God. What's a little struggle in light of eternity?

When we give God our will, He takes it and gives back so much more: He gives us fulfillment, purpose, His love. We don't have to be afraid of surrendering ourselves: just believe He is good and that His plan is great.

Day 289: Mark 5:33-34

"Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. He said to her, 'Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.'" ~Mark 5:33-34, NIV

The context of these verses is powerful - a leader asked Jesus to come heal his daughter, and Jesus acquiesced. On the way to the leader's house, Jesus was surrounded by a huge crowd. A woman who had been sick for nigh 2 decades, in faith, came up and grabbed His cloak. She was instantly healed: she knew it, and Jesus knew it.

But He didn't know who had been healed, so He asked "who touched me?" Ask that in a moving crowd of people and see the response. It's ridiculous. But Jesus stopped everything in order to give glory to God with the woman's faith.

She knew what happened, and was afraid. And sometimes we are too, when God blesses us beyond belief. But God intends for us to live in a life of blessing, and wants us to reach out to Him with faith and child-like trust in His goodness.

Jesus frees us from our suffering. And He wants us to go in peace and share that fact. We aren't to cower in the corners anymore, we are to stand tall and walk in that knowledge.

Another thing to note is that God takes the time for everyone. He might be "in the middle" of something, but that's never been a reason for Him to ignore His people - even the lowliest of us. He loves us all with an immeasurable love that put Him on the cross for our sins.

Amen.

Day 284: Acts 27:24

"'Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.'" ~Acts 27:24, NIV

Paul was captured by the Jews in a synagogue, and taken to a trial. At that trial, he appealed to Caesar - requiring that he be safely taken to Rome where his appeal could be heard. The journey was made partly by boat, and the captain made some rash decisions to try and speed up the process.

So Paul, the ship and crew are stuck in a terrible storm, so bad that the captain threw all of the supplies overboard and the ship was still being tossed about like a ragdoll.

An angel came to Paul in a dream, though, and told him the above verse. Paul was promised his trial with Caesar, and God rescued the lives around him, too.

Paul was an example on that ship. He was one of the only Christians, and this steadfast faith and courage changed many lives on his trip to Rome. But I suspect even he had to be reminded to not be afraid in devastating circumstances.

God has everything under control, and He has a perfect plan. God wants us to shine for Him in the dark places, and He can make anything happen, even save our lives.