MENUMENU
Fear Not: Abram

Fear Not: Abram

Fear Not: Abram.

“Some time later, the Lord spoke to Abram in a vision and said to him, ‘Do not be afraid, Abram. For I am your shield, and I will protect you. And your reward shall be exceedingly great… And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith.”  (Genesis 15:1-6).

The first time in Scripture where God says, Do not be afraid, is monumental. God calmed Abram’s fears by confirming the eternal covenant between him and the Lord, which promised an heir, a numberless family line, and a descendant that will bless the world through Abram’s ancestry. The Lord promised Abram the land of Canaan will indeed be preserved for his family. Yahweh is telling Abram that, though he and Sarai have not been able to have children, there will be a miraculous family tree. The Lord is saying to Abram, don’t be afraid that your family will die out. Do not fear that my earlier promise to you will be revoked. Your descendants will be countless and will occupy a promised land that will be holy and set apart. Fear not, Abram, for I am your spiritual shield, your protection, and your reward will exceed your wildest dreams. And Abram believed the word of the Lord. He trusted in Yahweh’s character, that He would keep His promises. And this is what set Abram apart. As a result, God perceived Abram as righteous in His eyes. Abram trusted and believed.

An Answer to Fear: Despite outward circumstances, believe that God is for you, that He is your protector and defender. Believe that God wants to bless you and help you flourish. Trust in the character of God, that He  keeps His promises. Rely on the fact that the Lord will reward you greatly in the New Jerusalem. And in this life, God has promised to protect you from spiritual harm no matter what happens to you, just like He promised Abram. God’s word is trustworthy and eternal. Counting on God’s promises helps to ease the fears.

Take Heart: “Surely it is God who saves me. I will trust in Him and not be afraid. For the Lord is my stronghold and my sure defense; and He will be my Savior.”  (Isaiah 12:2).