There are currently more than 500 documented phobias. A phobia is an intense, disproportionate and sometimes illogical fear of objects, beings, circumstances, experiences and a wide variety of other factors. We could say that phobias are the most common mental illness in human beings, since any fear can become a phobia.
We all have different fears, but perhaps the most common is the fear of the future and the fear of physical well-being. We often worry about how we will provide for our needs, but especially how we will provide for our loved ones. We also worry about what our future will be like. Sometimes uncertainty seems to shadow our future.
The good news is that Jesus knows our reality and so of all the words he spoke, the most common was, “Fear not.” I love this promise of Christ found in Luke 10:29-32.
“Therefore do not worry about what you will eat or what you will drink, and do not be anxious.
For all these things do the nations of the world seek after; but your Father knows that you have need of these things.
But seek ye the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added unto you.
Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
I find it interesting that God refers to us as a herd of sheep. If there is a fearful and anxious little animal, it is the sheep. If there is a fragile and vulnerable little animal, it is the sheep, for they have no virtue to provide for themselves or protect themselves. They are absolutely dependent on their shepherd. Their only virtue is to know how to cry out to their shepherd.
The beauty of this passage is that God promises us that He will not only provide us with provision and protection, but that He will give us something much better. He will entrust us with “the Kingdom of Heaven”. Sometimes we have such a myopic vision that we fail to see that our security and our livelihood will never be at risk. The only thing that is at risk is the level of reward we will receive here and especially in the age to come. Our all-seeing and all-powerful King promises us sustenance, security, provision and protection; and all he expects is that we trust him and make our intimacy with him the priority of our lives. Listen again to this invitation in Luke 10:2-32, this time from the NTV.
“Do not worry about what you will eat or what you will drink. Do not worry about those things. Those things dominate the thinking of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Seek the kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.
“So do not worry, little flock. For it gives the Father great happiness to give you the kingdom.”
I ask you a question: Is there a worry that is robbing you of peace? Is there a fear that is paralyzing your potential? Confess it to God right now.
Prayer:
“Lord, help me to believe that you are who you say you are and that you will do all that you have promised. Help me to be immovable in your person and in your word. Forgive me when I act like an unbeliever and fall into the cares and worries of this world. Help me to believe you. Strengthen my faith and give me the courage to walk without fear for you have not given me the spirit of fear but the power of love and self-control. In Jesus, Amen.
