“Do not be afraid” is a common message from God to his people. The Sovereign Lord said to Abram, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” (Genesis 15:1) God called to Hagar, “What is the matter, Hagar? Do not be afraid; God has heard the boy crying as he lies there.” (Genesis 21:17) I am sure she was crying too. The Lord appeared to Isaac saying, “I am the God of your father Abraham. Do not be afraid, for I am with you.” Genesis 26:24) Calling them by name an angel said to Mary the mother of Jesus, Joseph the step-father of Jesus, and Zechariah the father of John the Baptist, “Do not be afraid,” (Matthew 1:20; Luke 1:13, 30) Jesus says to all his disciples and to me, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27) “One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you,” (Acts 18:9-10a)
To accept these four words from God is to say as David, “I will fear no evil, for you are with me, your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” A shepherd’s rod is his instrument of authority used for counting, guiding, rescuing, protecting, and correcting the sheep under his care. His staff is an instrument of support, fighting off beasts, and directing. The rod and staff do not bring fear, they subside fear for a loving shepherd wields them.
Fear is a base and broad range of emotions resulting from a lack of faith in God. If I believed that the Lord is with me always, till the end of the age I would not fear. If I believed he is concerned for me and looking out for my interest I would not be afraid. Fear caused by their sin caused Adam and Eve to hide themselves from God. Freedom from fear comes as I trust in the God who protects (Psalm 23:4) and helps me (Isiah 54:14) The Apostle John wrote, “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)
Love God and fear him only.
