I was reading a Bible quiz post by one of the bloggers I follow on WordPress. And in the post, she mentioned that “Do not be afraid” was written 365 times. I was spurred (or maybe curious as I can be… 🙈) to read more about it online. And yeah, it was stated likewise. That was interesting and reassuring for me you know. 🙂

Why was it reassuring, you ask?

So the words “Do not be afraid” and in another version “fear not” was mentioned 365 times. It’s like God knew how worrisome we can be as humans. Especially when situations are spiraling down, right in front of our eyes and we seem to have lost control of how to handle it.

In such times we are full of anxiety and we end up picking up worry alongside it. Because we do not know what will happen next.

As much as I will like to say “oh yeah, I’ve got it together myself”. I’ll say Nah!, because some days, my mind is all over the place. And even when I’m reminded not to fear, as His words have been written for our edification, I still find it difficult to “worry not” as we are admonished to.

In retrospect, I will say that I’m a lot better than I was. Because I can be such a worrisome person without God’s help. 🙈

And I got better with this, when He taught me that my feelings as much as they are valid (hence, I shouldn’t ignore or disregard it but address it), it is still not my reality in Him.

So whenever my head or mind is racing all over the place, if I choose to focus on His word which is my reality in Him, my head and mind will eventually catch up with it. And His word becomes my true reality. Hence, I not only confess that “I fear not” by faith, but I truly am at the point where I’m choosing courage not to be afraid. And to be strong and of good courage just as He told Joshua.

“Have not I commanded you? Be strong, vigorous, and very courageous. Be not afraid, neither be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:9 AMPC

For me, these words said to Joshua (“Be strong and very courageous”) rings in my head a lot. But then I’m not always that. 😌 So far, choosing to trust the God at work in me even when my head is getting in the way, has been of great help as well in such moments. 🙌🏼

“[Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight.”

Philippians 2:13 AMPC

So while we are faced with many situations, most of which might trip us off. And cause sleepless night(s) because we are soaked up in worry. I’ll like to remind you to “fear not!, instead be of good courage in Him”.

Decide to choose the reality of the words He has given to you and I, before time for each day. Yeah each of the 365 mentioned “fear not” is for each day of the year. God has given you a tool to fight that fright lurking around.

It’s a choice we have to make to either believe His words or not. Regardless of our choice, the provision has already been made available in Him to choose courage rather than fear. 📍

Will you join me in saying this prayer:

Father, thank you for giving me the assurance of your presence through your word. I am sorry I have lingered so much in fear and fright. Henceforth, I choose to fear not. I choose to believe that you have the alarming situation before me handled, just as you stood up to the raging storm before the disciples. I am thankful, because I have a father who never sleeps nor slumber on my lot. Thank you, Abba. Amen. 🙏🏻

Reference verses for you:

1. “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish. Thou shalt seek them, and shalt not find them, even them that contended with thee: they that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing of nought. For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.” Isaiah 41:10-13 KJV

2. “The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: Thou maintainest my lot.” Psalm 16:5 KJV

3. “Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” Psalm 121:4 AMPC

4. “And He arose and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, Hush now! Be still (muzzled)! And the wind ceased (sank to rest as if exhausted by its beating) and there was [immediately] a great calm (a perfect peacefulness).” Mark 4:39 AMPC

The Lord wants us to choose His rest, even when all the enemy wants us to see is how helpless we are. And the choice to believe His word even when our head doesn’t make sense of it, is one you and me have to make. That in our believing, it becomes our reality. 🙌🏼

It’s time for us to choose to see how “Helped” we are. If you are still in doubt, do read the reference verses aforementioned again. 📍

Remember you are loved and you have an intentional father. He has given you all you need to weather that storm or challenge you are facing. ❤️

🌼#HCCounsels#🌼