There is a song that we sing in our worship gatherings called Forever Reign. One of the verses goes like this:
When my fear is crippling
You are true, You are true
Even in my wandering
You are joy, You are joy
You're the reason that I sing
You are life, You are life
In You death has lost its sting
The second line talks about fear that is crippling. While we may desire to feign impenetrable boldness, the reality is that many of our negative thoughts and behaviors stem from fear. We might fear our own incompetencies, our past, and even our future.
Although scripture tells us that we have not been given a spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7), we can so often be dominated by distress and doubt. When we endeavor to live in our own strength, fear can govern our thoughts and actions. It can become debilitating; crippling. Peace that comes from Christ is our remedy for fear.
from its farthest corners I called you.
I said, ‘You are my servant’;
I have chosen you and have not rejected you.
So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:9-10
While this passage from Isaiah was written to the nation of Israel, it is certainly applicable to believers today. Since God has chosen us and called us to be His people, we have no reason to fear. Even when we are consumed with fear and pull away from the Lord, He continues to pursue us.
Praise God that He does not reject us. We do not need to be crippled by worry. He provides the strength that we need for each moment. As the song lyrics above say, He is joy, life, and the vanquisher of the sting of death. Through the peace of Christ, fear does not need to have power over us. I encourage you to walk in the victory He has given you.
Love in Christ,
Adam