We all experience fear at some point in our lives. God knew we would encounter situations in life that would make us afraid. That is why He said, “Fear not”. A reoccurring theme in Paul’s ministry was to strengthen and encourage the churches he visited. He did this because people felt weak and discouraged. Dealing with fear is part of the journey of faith.
This morning, as I read Matthew 10, I came across verse 11 where Jesus said, “So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.” The previous verses tell us that a small bird, worth very little in the larger scheme of things, cannot fall to the ground without God knowing. If God values a small bird how much more would He value a human being created in His image?
The reason why most of us encounter fear is because we have not linked our value to God with our ability to overcome fear. Victory over any form of fear is experienced when we discover our worth to God. All the techniques we employ to rid our lives of fear will eventually fail if we have not discovered our value to God.
In our culture we spend significant amounts of time, energy and money trying to find ways to deal with fear. None of them work in the long run. The solution to our fear is so simple it has hidden from many of us over the years behind the complicated formulas and rituals we employ to rid our lives of its presence. We don’t have to be afraid for one simple yet profound reason – we are valuable to God. We are His treasure. The knowledge of this kind of love is so powerful that once discovered it casts fear outside the perimeter our lives and allow us to finally live in peace.
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