Tag: fear

Peace Like a River in the Midst of a Storm

by Ms. Rita's Minute

Judges 6:23-24
“But the Lord said to him, ‘Peace! Do not be afraid. You are not going to die.’ So Gideon built an altar to the Lord there and called it The Lord Is Peace. …”

How are you today? Do you sense God’s peace in your soul? How are you navigating your life’s journey amidst its difficulties? There’s good news if you’re struggling, as we all do from time to time.

Our difficulties may be:
(1) spiritual – blatant attacks of deception by our spiritual enemy, the devil, whose aim is to steal, kill, and destroy;
(2) relational – struggles with offense, forgiveness, starting, keeping, or avoiding various kinds of relationships; or
(3) financial – lacking resources for necessities

We have a God, our heavenly Father, who provides not only wisdom but peace in times of trouble or struggle. He is “Jehovah Shalom”, which means “The Lord is Peace” in Hebrew. It’s one of the names of God used by Gideon in the Book of Judges. The name denotes that God provides peace and wholeness, even in the midst of turmoil and uncertainty.


Judges 6 tells a powerful story of Gideon and God’s choosing of him to do a courageous thing in the peace of God.

Be sure to read Judges 6 and 7 to find out the amazing things that transpired after Gideon built an altar to the Lord called “The Lord Is Peace”, as well as how he defeated the Midianites in Judges 7.

Here are some scriptures to meditate upon when you are facing difficulties or struggles in life:

God’s Promises of Peace:

Romans 5:1
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

John 16:33
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.

Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

God’s Pathways to Peace:

Job 22:21
Agree with God, and be at peace; thereby, good will come to you.

Psalm 119:165
Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble.

Isaiah 32:17
And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever.

Accept Your Calling to Peace:

Colossians 3:15
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.

Don’t Fear Them

by Ms. Rita's Minute

“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28/NIV)

Fear–a spirit all Christians have struggled with from time to time–can cause spiritual, mental, and physical problems in our human bodies. We are told not to embrace it as God hasn’t given it to us: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7/NKJV). However, a reverential fear or respect should be shown toward the Almighty God who has all authority and power to give and take life.

https://youtube.com/shorts/rTFQmdOyHkU?si=E4w6cU5sEOFrBjCa

In a world where the threat of danger is somewhat constant, and we aren’t promised tomorrow, the Bible assures security in a sincere, eternal relationship with the Lord. With this in mind, we should remember God’s ability to protect, as well as destroy.

2 Thessalonians 3:3/NIV tells us “…the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.” Further, “We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the One who was born of God keeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them.” (1 John 5:18/NIV) Not to mention Luke 10:19/NIV, “Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.” These scriptures should be read more fully in their context, but their meaning is evident.

The Old Testament has too many scriptures to mention here on God’s protection, though I would recommend you research and enjoy reading them. Nevertheless, Jesus makes clear that though His followers may face danger in this world, our focus should be on Him and not fearing danger.

I find it helpful to study the names of God. In them, we find great power and character that provides comfort in our connection to such an awesome person. I especially like that He is Jehovah Machsi (the Lord My Refuge), Jehovah Mauzzi (the Lord My Fortress), Jehovah Magen (The Lord My Shield), and Jehovah Mephalti (the Lord My Deliverer). There are many more names, after which studying fills one with faith and hope.

https://youtube.com/shorts/d8Q3C31QCes?si=Pg908nOwLXKHQpEF

One can be tempted to fear when we can’t see our help with our physical eyes. However, this is where our faith, per Hebrews 11:1, is “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” We must be humble enough to depend upon the Bible’s promises and to ask for the Lord’s help in prayer.

An in-depth biblical study of who our Father, His Son, and the Holy Spirit are, makes us familiar with, and confident in, the One on whom we place our focus for a peaceful life, free from the fear of man.

In these last days, we have been given a way of deliverance that guarantees eternal life and blessings for us here now and in the future. That would require turning from living a lifestyle of sin and believing in the Lord Jesus Christ as the Son of God and Savior of men. We are so blessed to have this option for living and millions of us all over the world have benefited in choosing this Way to heaven.

As you study the Bible and renew your mind with God’s will and ways, remember we don’t have to fear danger or death, as we have the promise of God never leaving us as well as eternal life with Him when our time to leave this earth arrives.

It is also helpful to remember that the Bible explains so many exciting events that are still yet to happen, namely, the fact that God will create a new heaven and new earth. In any event, whether we live long or pass soon, we win being children of God.