10/02/2025 – Fear Not
Scripture: Deuteronomy 20: “When you go out to battle against your enemies, and see horses and chariots and people more numerous than you, do not be afraid of them; for the Lord your God is with you, who brought you up from the land of Egypt. 2 So it shall be, when you are on the verge of battle, that the priest shall approach and speak to the people. 3 And he shall say to them, ‘Hear, O Israel: Today you are on the verge of battle with your enemies. Do not let your heart faint, do not be afraid, and do not tremble or be terrified because of them; 4 for the Lord your God is He who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.’
Reflection:
One of the most effective strategies of our enemies is to excite our emotions. He uses our natural emotional responses to provoke behaviors that are difficult to control. It is a way of manipulating us and keeping us in submission. Beware of your emotions. Do not allow them to define you. Instead, channel your emotions.
One of the most dangerous emotions is misplaced fear. It can overwhelm our faith. Before the army of the Lord went to battle, the priest was required to remind them of the command most often repeated in scripture: do not fear. The word of God is active in us today as we face our battles. It provides strength on the battlefield. We will face enemies that are much stronger than us, but none will be stronger than our God.
Our God has promised to be with us always. He has already defeated sin and death- our strongest enemies. All we need to do is believe and and fight the good fight of the faith.