“Then the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.’”
I am sure that all of us have experienced fear at some time in our life. One of the taunts that was used on the play grounds when I was a boy was; “Fraidy cat!” It often led to someone taking a dare that led to injury. It was almost as if injury was preferred over fear.
There is a reverential fear of the Lord that is righteous and worthy of honor. There is an awareness that when we are close to the power of God we need to feel the awesomeness of the almighty that dwarfs all human strength.
As a boy, one of the first verses I memorized was Isaiah 41:10. In the New King James it reads this way: “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.”
I choose to live a life of confidence and like it says in Psalm 23:4 that even though I am forced to walk through death’s fearsome valley I choose to fear no evil for the Lord is always beside me. What a comfort that is!
Blessings dear hearts. May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
Insights on John is part of the 15-volume Swindoll’s Living Insights New Testament Commentary series. This newly revised and expanded edition draws on Gold Medallion Award–winner Chuck Swindoll’s 50 years of experience with studying and preaching God’s Word. His deep insight, signature easygoing style, and humor bring a warmth and practical accessibility not often found in commentaries.
ECPA Gold Award – Jesus taught with hands-on lessons and illustrations. TheHands-On Bible uses the same experience-based learning to communicate God’s Word in an active, understandable way. With hundreds of fun, memorable activities, the Hands-On Bible is packed with activities and experiences that invite kids to crawl inside the Scriptures and do God’s Word!
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