Jesus & Joe {Fear}

Jesus & Joe: A Coffee Devotional

If you’ve been with me long enough, then you know I have a little issue with fear.

I’ve blogged about it. I’ve prayed about it. I’ve talked to Debbie about it. I’ve read scripture about it.

And I know how to handle fear.

I know what to do.

Which frustrates me EVEN MORE because I do know.

When I come face to face with my opponent, fear, I tend to forget myself. I forget about this post and that blog. I forget about Romans 8:15 and Psalm 91. I forget every single time the Lord has brought me through each trial and tribulation.

I just forget.

So today, I must discipline myself to remember.

So let’s start with God’s commission to Joshua. Remember God said to him, “Do not turn from [My Word] to the right hand or the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall mediated on it day and night so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:7-9

So I receive the same commandment today. This wasn’t only for Joshua. It was for me.

And you. And your husband. And your dad. And your neighbor. And your son. Your daughter. Your mom. Your co-worker.

Everyone you know. BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS. DO NOT BE FRIGHTENED. OR DISMAYED. GOD IS WITH YOU WHEREVER YOU GO.

“Wherever” just about covers it, wouldn’t you say? In Hebrew that word is written yalak. And it means to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away, live and die.

So. In Becky’s words…. Be strong and courageous. Don’t fear because God is with you when you come, go, move away, stay where you are, proceed forward, if you walk backwards, sit, stand, live or die. He is always there. Even in death. As believers in Christ, yep, God is still with you. Mmm.

AND IN THE FEAR – He is there. THAT IS WHY JOSHUA COULD BE STRONG. GOD’S PRESENCE WAS HIS CONFIDENCE AND COURAGE. #Bam.

So today. I remember. Today, I will not fear because God is with me. I am not frightened or dismayed for His presence makes me courageous. And on His Word, I will mediate. Day and night. Meditate with me….

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

Heal me, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for You are the One I praise. Jeremiah 17:14

Keep me safe, oh God, for in you I take refuge. Psalm 16:1

I, even I, am He who comforts you. Isaiah 51:12

Look to the Lord and His Strength; seek His face always. Psalm 105:4

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 41:10

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will. He hears us. And if we know that he hears us – whatever we ask – we know that we have what we asked of him. 1 John 5:14-15

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

Cast all your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall. Psalm 55:22