Introductory Thoughts
Fear introduced is faith attacked. As such, we should not be partakers of the world’s fears. Instead, we should “sanctify the LORD of hosts himself; and let him be” our fear (Isaiah 8:13). Throughout scripture, the Lord admonished His people not to fear the world. Why? The answer is twofold: (1) the Lord was with them (Genesis 26:24) and (2) fear of the world yields bondage (Proverbs 29:25). This worldly bondage never originates with the Lord (Romans 8:15) for He has given Christians a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). We need not fear those who can destroy the body (Matthew 10:28); rather, we ought to say the Lord is our helper, and we will not fear what men will do unto us (Hebrews 13:6).
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): Read 1 Samuel 17:11, 24, 32, 37. King Saul and all Israel were afraid of Goliath the giant. Only David trusted God. He remembered how God had helped him before when he was keeping sheep.
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(For everyone): What are some things that the world fears? Are those fears based upon faith? Do you share in any of those fears? If so, do you think that your fear pleases or displeases the Lord?
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Do your fears keep you from serving the Lord? Fears that keep you from serving the Lord cannot come from Him.
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask God to give you boldness to serve Him.
- Ask the Lord to help you choose the right fears.
Song
NEVER BE AFRAID
