Fear Not: Most Repeated Bible Phrase

I’m so excited to introduce a guest blogger, Beckie Lindsey.

Beckie and I met online in a Christian writers Facebook group. Then I had the privilege to meet Beckie in person at a writers conference a few years ago.

I’ve read both released books in her series, Beauties from Ashes. So, I must tell you that she’s a gifted author with a heart for Jesus and His people.

I know this post will encourage you as it continues our theme on fear.

Welcome, Beckie.

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Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.  Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. 

Joshua 1:7-9 NIV

Fear Not: When the Future is Uncertain

Our family of five gathered for prayer around Kevin, the oldest sibling. After 21 years, it was our last night together under one roof. Kevin was leaving the next morning for basic training in the United States Air Force.

This was a big deal for our close-knit clan. Although we knew where he would be for the next 8 weeks of training, there was much trepidation and uncertainty about the future.

My husband started the prayer. Next came his brother and sister. When it was my turn, the knot in my throat and tears that threatened to spill from my eyes prevented even a whisper. It didn’t help that I could hear the labored breathing and sniffling of the rest of the family.

My mind was like a blank canvas. Nothing. I had nothing. 

Soon, my broken heart caught up to my brain as an onslaught of unanswered questions set in like a storm. Would Kevin be okay? Where would they send him after training? Is he ready for this?

Fear Not: Trust in the Lord

I cried out to Jesus inside my head. Like an instantaneous heavenly download, peace silenced my stormy thoughts replacing them with Scriptures about courage and trusting in the Lord. 

One of the hardest things to do as parents is to release our grown children to the world.

But who better to understand this than our Heavenly Father? After all, He released His only Son, Jesus to this world knowing the outcome would bring victory over fear and death.

And He knows our (and our children’s) future and outcome, too. 

Fear Not: Submit it to God

Did you know “Fear not” is the most repeated phrase in the Bible? God wants us to learn to take our fears to Him.

'Fear not' is the most repeated phrase in the Bible. God wants us to learn to take our fears to Him. Click To Tweet

This is where a great exchange takes place. When we submit our fear, God has room to provide us the courage only He can give.

A great exchange takes place. When we submit our fear, God has room to provide us the courage only He can give. Click To Tweet

If we have Jesus, we are never alone. As long as we hold on to the promises in His word, we will have all the wisdom, courage, and comfort we need for every one of life’s situations. 

Fear Not: Be Strong and Courageous

In demonstrating the pattern of repetition of Scripture, I’d say the following verse bears repeating. But let’s try something different. Insert your name in the blank (or a family member’s, or friend’s) before each sentence and read it aloud:

“_________ Be strong and courageous. _______ Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with _________ wherever you go.” 

Have you been held in fear’s grip over something?

God wants to exchange that fear for His courage. All you must do is ask.

Missed last week’s post? Read, Fearful in the What-ifs or Fearless in Christ.

About the Author

 Beckie Lindsey is the award-winning author of the YA series Beauties from Ashes, and Legacy: Living NOW for Future Generations a devotional study journal. She is a poet, blogger, and the editor of Southern California Christian Voice, a division of One Christian Voice,a national news syndicating agency. Beckie has a heart for God and people, encouraging spiritual growth through prayerful study and application of Scripture.She is a major coffeeholic and enjoys a good book with a cat on her lap. Beckie and her husband, Scott have three adult children, two adorable cats and live in California.

Visit Beckie’s website and blog. For Christian news in SoCal.

Follow Beckie on social media: Twitter/Facebook/Instagram

Amazon Links for Her books: Secrets (Beauties from Ashes book 1); Uninvited (Beauties from Ashes book 2); Legacy: Living NOW for Future Generation

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*Sometimes I participate in these link-ups:

Ronja Oksanen/ #AboundingGrace, Rachel Lee/#DestinationInspiration, Debbie Kitterman/#Dare2Hear, Lori Schumaker/#momentsofhope, Jaime Wiebel/#SittingAmongFriends, Crystal Twadell/Fresh Market Friday, Kelly Balarie/Purposeful Faith, Patricia Holbrook/Soaring With Him, Meghan Weyerbacher/TeaandtheWord, Lyli Dunbar/#FaithOnFire & Crystal Storms/Heart Encouragement.