Isaiah 41:10 – “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’  NKJV

Years ago, I had an individual tell me that there were 365 “fear not’s” in the Bible, one for every day of the year.  Imagine that!  If that were true, it would be amazing.  But, after doing some diligent research, I was unable to find 365 and, in many versions, not even 100.  However, that is not a problem because ONE – “fear not” from Jesus is enough, right?  Although this is some almost worthless information, the following has been found:

            KJV – 74 “Fear not”; 29 – “Be not afraid.”

            NASB – 4 – “Fear not”; 57 – “Do not fear”; 46 – “Do not be afraid.”

The word Fear in all of its forms is only listed 314 times in the original languages, which also includes words translated as terrible, dreadful, reverence, and terrible acts.  As per www.blueletterbible.com, we find the following:

NKJV – 129, NIV – 66, NASB – 127, ASV – 148, DBY – 155, HNV – 44, NLT – 38, ESV – 137, RSV – 139, YNG – 115, WEB – 144.

The truth is that if it were in the Bible just One Time, that would be enough! Remember, in Genesis, God only had to say, “Let there be light,” once for it to happen.  It did not take 365 to cover every day of the year.  God said it, and that was enough to bring it into existence.  We need to believe what He says about this and everything else. 

As Christians, we Do Not Fear or Do Not Have to Fear!  We have been redeemed by the precious blood of Jesus and transferred from the kingdom or domain of darkness into the Kingdom of God’s Light and Love!  We are more than conquerors through Him who loved and loves us!  He has overcome the world and lives in our hearts, so we are overcomers!  We have nothing to fear because God is with us! 

I am concerned about the condition of our nation but not fearful.  I am concerned about many things but not fearful.  I refuse to allow fear to have dominion in my life because I know that God has promised to “never leave me nor forsake me.” 

Fear is an expression of doubt in the promises of God, and I choose to believe His promises!  When Fear raises its ugly head and tries to gain a foothold in my thinking, I run to the Cross.  I look upward and to the finished work of Jesus!  When I do, that fear dissipates. 

Worry is a by-product of fear.  I choose not to allow worry to have any place in my thinking.  I do not try to justify worry or fear by saying, “I’m just concerned.”  I am concerned about many things but confident that no matter how they turn out, God is still God and will be with me through it all.   That brings peace to my heart and gives me the confidence and strength to face each day and all the struggles that that day might contain.

As you go through this day, go with the confidence that God is with you!  Walk in freedom, not fear!  May God be with you as you go through your day!