Fearless

"And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell."  Matthew 10:28

There is a great deal of unrest and fear in the world today.

Are you afraid?

There's really no need to be, if you trust in Jesus.  The things happening today have happened before.  And, they will happen again (Ecclesiastes 1:9).  And, while we know that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10), we know that other fears can rob us of peace, joy, and experiencing God's best in our lives.

As a young child, I was afraid of all kinds of things--even the moon that shone big and bright in the night sky.  My mother reminded me early and often of what the Holy Bible tells us.  It says in Psalm 56:3, "What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee" (KJV).

I must trust God if I want to conquer fear.

The Holy Bible is full of great, comforting verses for fraidy cats and worry warts, and yet it lovingly but firmly reminds us that such thoughts are not those of the transformed and renewed mind of the believer, whose mind is stationed firmly on Jesus.  

Isaiah 26:3 tells us, "You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!"

If you are in need of the reminder that God is still in control, following are some Scripture verses to encourage you and remind you of your identity as a Christian:

"In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?"  Psalm 56:4

"I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me?"  Psalm 56:11

"He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord."  Psalm 112:7

“Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.”  Isaiah 12:2

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." 2 Timothy 1:7

"There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love." 1 John 4:18

Have you experienced the perfect love of God?  

As you experience His love more and more each day, and as He begins to perfect you through this agape love, you will have no choice but to become more and more courageous and, yes, fearless.

Goodnight, Runners.