DAY 2: LORD, HELP ME WITH MY FEAR – PASTOR HEIDEN RATNER
PASTOR HEIDEN RATNER
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SCRIPTURE
“But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.” – Matthew 1:20 ESV
DEVOTION
Have you ever heard the phrase, “Put yourself in someone else’s shoes?” I want to give you a friendly challenge today to put yourself in Joseph’s sandals for a moment.
His fiancé, Mary, had just told him that she was pregnant from the Holy Spirit and that she was carrying the Son of God in her womb. Joseph, in his utter state of panic and fear, resolved to divorce her quietly. His mind was made up until an Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and spoke these words: “Joseph, son of David, do not fear…” (Matt. 1:20a ESV)
These 3 words: “do not fear”, can change a person’s life. They surely did for Joseph. And, not only did he need this reminder, but Mary did too! In Luke 1:30, we read: “And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary…” (Luke 1:30a ESV) Shortly before this, an angel appeared to Mary’s relatives Zechariah and Elizabeth again proclaiming: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard…” (Luke 1:13 ESV) And I could give you several more accounts where God reminds His children “do not fear”, however I want you to have your own moment today!
Whatever you’re facing right now, whether big or small, hear the Lord whisper to your spirit: “Do not fear.” I once heard it put, “Don’t tell God how big your storm is, tell your storm how big your God is.” You have nothing to fear!
7 “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” – 2 Timothy 1:7 NLT
PRAYER
Lord, today I pray for Your help dealing with fear. I know you have not given me a spirit of fear, rather a Spirit of power. I know fear can be a liar and turn deceptive. Father, help me to be wise, encouraged, and fearless. May the only person, place, or thing we fear be You, O, Lord. For we know that “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom…” (Proverbs 9:10a ESV) Today, we ask for Your help, guidance, and continual provision. There is nothing I need to be afraid of. I walk with the KING of kings. Help to remember that today. In Jesus name, amen!
