Old Testament: Job 35-37
*Poetry: Psalm 46
New Testament: Philemon Intro, see below
Throughout the Bible, the phrases “do not be afraid” and “do not fear” are repeated over and over. This phrase is first used in Genesis 15:1, which says, “After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, ‘Do not fear, Abram, I am a shield to you; Your reward shall be very great.’” The last time the Bible says this is in Revelation 2:10, which says, “Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.”
In Psalm 46, we are given the reason why we should not fear. Verse 1 says, “God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46 says this is the reason we will not fear. When God is our refuge and strength, nothing can defeat us. As nothing is stronger than God, when our strength is God, nothing can overpower us. Therefore, we should not fear anything. Verses 2-3 continue to tell us that there is no reason to fear, even if the earth should change, the mountains fall into the sea, the oceans roar, and/or the mountains shake.
Further on in the psalm, it says, “The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah. Come, behold the works of the Lord, Who has wrought desolations in the earth. He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariots with fire.” If you didn’t have enough reason to not fear from verse 1, these 3 verses give you even more reasons. The God who is our stronghold has brought about desolations on the earth against those who have opposed Him. He has stopped wars and defeated men and their weapons over and over again. Therefore, there is no longer any reason to fear. We need to trust in God as our refuge, strength, and stronghold.
-Kaitlyn Hamilton
Reflection Questions
- What are your top five fears?
- How often does fear interfere with what you think God wants you to be doing or thinking?
- It’s easy to say, “Do not fear.” But harder to do. What are some practical daily steps you can take to help your brain overcome fear?
- How is God greater than all the things we fear?
Introduction to Philemon
The book of Philemon is Paul’s shortest letter that is included in our Bible. Paul wrote it while in prison to his dear friend and fellow Christian, Philemon.
Philemon’s slave, Onesimus, had run away, had come to Paul, and had helped Paul while he was in chains for the gospel. While there, Onesimus became a believer. This book is Paul’s letter to Philemon urging him to accept Onesimus back, not as a slave, but as a dear brother in Christ; asking that Philemon welcome Onesimus “as you would welcome me.”
This book shows Paul’s mastery of persuasion. He started by praising Philemon, then laid out a logical argument for kindly accepting Onesimus back, followed by an emotional argument. Ending with “Prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be restored to you in answer to your prayers.” Not only was Paul an amazing missionary, he was a master strategist.
-Steve Mattison
Seek Grow Love 