If you turn to topical reference 1020 in your Thompson Chain Reference Bible, you will see that there are seven reasons for encouragement given. Today we are going to have a look at the seven reasons and be encouraged by the Word of God. “Fear not!” is the most repeated command in the Bible. In fact, it’s been said that there are 365 “Fear nots” in the Bible – one “Fear not” for every day of the year!

Blessing in the journey of life

Genesis 26:24, “And the Lord appeared to him the same night and said, “I am the God of your father Abraham; Do not fear, for I am with you. I will bless you, and multiply your descendants, For the sake of My servant Abraham.”

In Genesis 26 the life of Isaac and his wife Rebekah is recorded. Isaac feared that his life would be taken so that the men of Gerar could decide among themselves who would have his wife Rebekah. Isaac lied and said that his wife was his sister. Abimelech, the king of the Philistines was angry with Isaac because if one of the men lay with her, they would have committed a sin. In verse 11 Abimelech charged all his people to not touch Isaac or Rebekah on pain of death. Here we have great cause to trust in God throughout life as He will preserve us from all attempts to destroy us.

Supplies in Famine

1 Kings 17:13, “Then Elijah said to her, “Do not fear; go, do as you have said, but make me a little bread cake from it first, and bring it out to me, and afterward you may make one for yourself and for your son.”

Here Elijah predicts the drought in the land. He was told by the Lord to go to Zarephath, and he would meet a widow there. When Elijah got to the gate of the city, he asked the widow for some water. As she was going to get the water Elijah asked her for some bread also. The woman told him that she had no bread, only a handful of flour. Elijah told her to go and make breadcakes from the little water and flour. As a result of her trust there was enough bread to last many days, the Bible tells us. The Lord spoke through Elijah and supplied a need during a famine. Even when resources are low and limited the Lord will provide for his people.

Protection in Peril

2 Kings 6:16, So he answered, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”

The Lord assured Elisha that those who were with Israel were greater than those who were against Israel. The Lord does protect his people during the battles we face. God does not only protect in physical battles on the battlefield but also in spiritual battles. Elisha prayed that the Lord would strike his enemies with blindness. The Lord granted his prayer and stuck the enemies of Israel with blindness. In verse 23 the Bible tells us that the Arameans did not come again into the land of Israel.

Strength in Weakness

Isaiah 41:10, ‘Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’

The Lord has promised to be with us in weakness. He does strengthen his people by his righteous right hand. Verse 11 tells us that those who are angry with us will be put to shame.

Companionship in Trial

Isaiah 43:1-3, But now, thus says the Lord, your Creator, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel, “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine! “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you. “For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I have given Egypt as your ransom, Cush and Seba in your place.

There is great comfort and hope in these verses. We are told that the Lord told Israel to not fear because He has redeemed Israel and they are his, they belong to God. The people of God can also claim this comfort and hope in Christ. The Church has been brought by Christ and they are his.

Overshadowing Care

Matthew 10:30-31, But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. “Therefore do not fear; you are of more value than many sparrows.

The Lord knows his people so closely that he even knows the number of hairs on your head. Here Jesus is teaching us that if God takes care of even the sparrows, then how much more will He take care of His Church. Let us take courage and hope from the words of our Lord here. We have great cause to trust in the promises of God.

Life Beyond the Grave

Revelation 1:17-18, And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as a dead man. And He laid His right hand upon me, saying, “Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, and the living One; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades.

O’ Child of God take courage from these verses. Let us be encouraged today because our great Lord and Saviour holds the keys to death and hell. We serve a living God who has told us to not fear but to trust and stand in the promises He has made.

The Bible is full of passages to encourage us and strengthen us in both good and bad times. In Psalm 91 the Bible tells us that the Lord is our shelter and our fortress, and we ought not to be afraid in the day of trouble.

Also, in Psalm 56 the Bible tells us, “When I am afraid, I will put my trust in Thee. In God, whose word I praise, In God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid. What can mere man do to me?” (Psalm 56:3-4). Matthew 6:34 says, ““Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” In closing I would like to leave you to think about the words of our Lord in John 14:27, ““Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.”