Commandments and Promises

A few months ago I wrote a post that mentioned that the command to 'fear not' occurs 366 times in the Bible. On Sunday, my pastor brought up this same fact. He mentioned that, in fact, the command to not be afraid is the most common command throughout the Bible. This command is so prevalent because we are so likely to be cowardly. However, the promise that follows this command, the most common of all promises that God makes in the Bible is 'I am with you'. How wonderful it is that the most common promise speaks directly to the most common command. God's most common promise is a direct response to our most common mistake. He is with us, we need not fear.

I take comfort in the fact that these things are so common. It means that I am not alone when I am fearful - we are all fearful, so much so, that the Lord has to remind us to not be afraid more than he reminds us to do anything else. I am also comforted that the Lord takes the time and effort to remind us that He is with us. He does not seem to tire of reminding us of his presence, even if we might feel as if we should have learned that lesson already. He meets us where we are, in our fear, and encourages us to be bold, knowing that He will not leave us or forsake us.

Are you feeling fearful today? I pray that you will be reminded that the Lord is with you wherever you go.

Today's Verses
Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.