Garry spoke this morning from Gen 45:21-25. Gen 45:24 gives us Joseph’s advice to his brothers, literally ‘as you travel, do not be overcome by fear.’ Perhaps his brothers thought that once Jacob was in Egypt, Joseph would take his revenge on them. Fear can be positive, preserving us from danger, preventing harm and keeping us safe, but fear can also be something which controls us and restrains us in a negative way. It can act as a cage to imprison us, as a blockage to the purposes of God. So often, when God speaks to us, fear arises, but at that point, we have a choice. God wants us, like Joshua, to choose to be strong and courageous rather than to give way to fear (see Josh 1:1-9).
That was a turning point in Israel’s history. Joshua knew that God wanted His people to enter the Promised Land, but when the spies had previously gone in, the report ten of them gave was negative, laced with fear. (Numbers 13:26-14:9) The people of God chose to ignore Caleb and Joshua and believe the negative reports; they chose fear over faith. Joshua, however, chose the way of faith and went in to take control of the land.
Whenever God speaks, we have a choice: to listen to God or to listen to the voice of fear. Ps 56:1-4 reminds us that when we are afraid, we should trust in God. David knew what it was to fear. He was persecuted by Saul; later, the Amalekites raided Ziklag and took all his womenfolk and property (1 Sam 30). Still he chose to trust in God rather than to fear and regained all that he had lost. The disciples knew what it was to fear (especially after the crucifixion), but when Jesus was raised from the dead, they were transformed.They were then able to overcome all fear and threats to stand firm in faith.
Jesus promises us peace in every situation (John 14:27).The way to overcome fear is to trust in God (John 14:1).Daily we face the choice: fear or faith, captivity or courage, agitation or peace. When we choose to trust in the love God has for us, His love will dissolve and drive out all fear.
