(by pastor Norman)

“Fear not, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God” (Isa 41:10 NKJV). With God in our lives, we don’t need to fear anyone or anything (Ps 118:6). “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” (Ps 27:1a; NKJV). God has given us strong, sound, disciplined minds with no fearful spirits (2 Tim 1:7). Fear filled thoughts come from the devil who basically seeks to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10). God has delivered from us from all fears (Ps 34:4b). However, fearful thoughts will still try to steal our joy. The apostle Peter exhorts us to be “casting all your care upon Him for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7; NKJV). The apostle Paul gives good advice; he said, don ‘t be anxious, but pray for God’s help to cast off fear; give Him thanks and His peace will overwhelm you (Phil 4:6-7). The Psalmist encourages us to trust God and not to fear (Ps 56:3-4). A man named Jairus asked Jesus to come to his house and pray for his daughter who was close to dying. On the way, someone came and let them know that his daughter was dead. Jesus’ simple response was, “Do not be afraid, only believe” Jesus then raised the child from death (Mark 5:36; NKJV). Fear has to bow to our faith in Jesus. The apostle John tells us that, “Perfect love casts out fear” (John 4:18a) and that if we are struggling with fear, we should check our love levels! As we abide in, make God our refuge and love Him, He becomes our refuge and fortress removing all need for fear (Ps 91:1-16).