Finding Hope in Fearful Times
There are fearful times coming to this planet. Please look with me at Luke 21:25.
Jesus says that we are headed toward days when people "expire". The word is aposucho ‘breath pops out' or ‘expires' because of complete fear. We see that in earthquakes, fires, and hurricanes, usually among the elderly with heart attacks. But the ultimate panic attack is coming and many healthy humans will just expire for fear.
Jesus gave signs that would signal His soon return. When He outlined those signs, He said they would be like 'birth pangs' -- increasing in both frequency and intensity as the end of the age approached.
He spoke of wars and rumors of wars, famines, earthquakes, pestilences and a climate of deception, on an ever increasing scale. He spoke of Israel as a literal place in the last days, and foretold Jerusalem Jerusalem
All this is headline news for this generation. And THEN He said;
"And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these things BEGIN to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh." (Luke 21:25-28)
"So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God
Can't say it much plainer than that.
If you see Christmas decorations you can be sure that Thanksgiving is near!
WE LIVE IN FEARFUL TIMES
God has an offer to those who live in fearful times. More than any other prohibition God[2][2]repeatedly calls out to us to not fear. As Paul told Timothy in 2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
I want to challenge you from the Word of the Living God – to Live the Word Filled Life – even in fearful times!
Fear is not from God, it comes from our flesh, it surrounds us in the world, and it is the realm of the Devil.
Fear not is the most often repeated negative prohibition is God's Word. The Lord wants us not to fear.
We live in a world that is possessed by fear – fear of death, fear of life, fear of danger, fear of the truth, and on we could go. But in this world of fear we are to Live a Word Filled Life – even in fearful times.
There is a way to live in constant touch with the God of Heaven – no matter what.
This offered lifestyle is called by various names in God's Word. The Apostle Paul in Ephesians 5.18 calls it “the Spirit filled life”, and in Colossians 3.16 – “the Word Filled Life”.
God offers His Presence and Influence to surround every part of my life.
God offers an unbroken line of communication, supply, and fellowship with Himself.
This life is possible, no matter what goes on around us. And that is what we have been studying these past few weeks.
- From the constant changes that filled the lives of Enoch, Noah, and Abraham we learned they found the secret to Living a Word Filled Life – In Distracting Times.
- From Moses we saw that in spite of the swirl of life in Egypt, the whir of life in the desert, and the immensity of life on the 40 year Wilderness wandering camping trip – it is possible to Live the Word Filled Life – in Busy Times.
- Now as we open to Joshua 1.8-9 we will see today in God's Word that we can Live the Word Filled Life – in Fearful Times.
As we turn to Joshua the 6th book of the Bible we open to an account of God Himself talking to a man named Joshua. Joshua is a real person. He is about 90 years old – and has been asked by God to do something he had never before done. He is to lead a military campaign with untrained soldiers, in unfamiliar territory, and conquer an entire land in seven years. Listen to what the Lord says to him.
Joshua was approaching 90 years of age[3][3] when called on by God to lead a seven plus year war against entrenched enemies. At age 90, Joshua had graduated from prep school. He had followed Moses for 40 years, every where he went. He had learned to obey and see God at work in protecting the nation of Israel Egypt
There were giants, there were huge walled cities and vast armies, and there was this group of people that hadn’t been exactly cooperative with Moses. And what would be a normal human response? FEAR. And that is exactly what the Lord confronts and comforts Joshua about – be courageous, don’t fear if I am with you.
God speaks to Joshua, and gives him a promise -- Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
There is one solution for facing trouble – take God with you.
There is an antidote for fear – experiencing God’s Presence.
Joshua had cultivated this Word Filled Life while he was in the military and in politics. The hectic schedule and constant life on the road heading to and from battles never stopped him from time with the Lord.
Then his second career as the leader of the Nation of Israel
o HE STARTED A HABIT WHEN HE WAS A YOUNG MAN: Exodus 33:11 So the Lord spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. And he would return to the camp, but his servant Joshua the son of Nun, a young man, did not depart from the tabernacle. Joshua stayed on with the Lord. He loved to hang around the Tent of Meeting with God.
o HE OBEYED GOD’S COMMAND: Joshua 1:8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Joshua loved God's Word to stay on his mind and in his mouth.
o HE STUCK WITH IT TO THE END: Joshua 24:15 And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” And he purposed that no matter what any other family did, his was staying faithful to the Lord. That resolve only was possible because of the first two.
o Are you lingering in God’s presence as He opens His Word to you? Are God's Words stuck to your heart, your mind, your mouth? That is what the Lord wants! Then you can lead your family God’s way.
Fearful times are coming – don’t get swept up by the spirit of fear all around us, it is not from God! Remember and meditate upon the promises the Lord has made.
It is just like our Lord to speak to us when we need Him the most. His tender “Fear not!” can calm the storm in our hearts regardless of the circumstances around us.
This is the way He assured --
o ABRAHAM: Genesis 15:1 After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.”
o ISAAC: Genesis 26:24 And the Lord appeared to him the same night and said, “I am the God of your father Abraham; do
not fear, for I am with you. I will bless you and multiply your descendants for My servant Abraham’s sake.”
o JACOB: Genesis 46:3 So He said, “I am God, the God of your father; do not fear to go down to Egypt
o JEHOSHAPHAT: 2 Chronicles 20:15-17 And he said, “Listen, all you of Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem Jerusalem
o DANIEL: Daniel 10:12,19 Then he said to me, “Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words. 19 And he said, “O man greatly beloved, fear not! Peace be to you; be strong, yes, be strong!” So when he spoke to me I was strengthened, and said, “Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.”
o MARY: Luke 1:30 Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.
o PETER: Luke 5:10 and so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.”
o PAUL: Acts 27:24 saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.’
The next time you are afraid, and fear comes over you as you feel alone and defeated, meditate on these Scriptures and claim by faith the presence of the Lord. He is with you!
o Hebrews 13:5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
o Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’
1: But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob,
And He who formed you, O Israel
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by your name;
You are Mine.
2: When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,
Nor shall the flame scorch you.
3: For I am the Lord your God,
The Holy One of Israel
I gave Egypt
4 :Since you were precious in My sight,
You have been honored,
And I have loved you;
Therefore I will give men for you,
And people for your life.
5 :Fear not, for I am with you;
I will bring your descendants from the east,
And gather you from the west;
6: I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’
And to the south, ‘Do not keep them back!’
Bring My sons from afar,
And My daughters from the ends of the earth—
7: Everyone who is called by My name,
Whom I have created for My glory;
I have formed him, yes, I have made him.”
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart,
All you who hope in the Lord (Psalm 31:24).
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