FOUR TRUTHS ABOUT FEAR

FOUR TRUTHS ABOUT FEAR

INTRO: Let me share with you something that a seventy year old man wrote that will speak to my subject today:
ILLUS-"I remember many years ago a little boy on a trundlebed, having just retired for the night. Before going to sleep, he turned in the direction of the large bed on which his father lay, and said, 'Father, are you there?' and he answered, 'Yes, my son.' I remember that that boy turned over and went to sleep without a thought of harm. Tonight that little boy is an old man of seventy, and every night before going to sleep he looks up into the face of his heavenly Father, and says, 'Father, are you there ?' and the answer comes back, 'Yes, my son ;' and then he asks in childish faith, 'Will you take care of me to-night?' and the answer comes back, clear and strong, 'Yes, my son.' Whom need we fear, if God our Father be with us?"
TRANSITION: Whether you are a little boy or seventy year old man, a little girl or a seventy year old woman, one of the big enemies of life is the same. That enemy's name is fear. One of the favorite Bible passages of many people is the 23rd Psalm. Listen to verse 4:
TEXT: Psalm 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
TRANSITION: With this one powerful verse of Scripture in mind, let's search out some truth to help us in our battle against fear.
1. FEAR OFTEN RISES UP IN THE VALLEYS OF OUR LIFE
David said, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death…."
We all know that the valleys represents the low time in our lives. Those times when we feel like we are struggling at the bottom instead of standing in victory at the top.
These are times of intense struggle and pain. Many valleys could be named that cause us to fear but let me share four examples of such times:
A. Death
David called such a time as the valley of the shadow of death. If you have ever faced death or watched a loved one go through it, then you know what I am talking about.
B. Danger
The Thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. He loves to threaten us through different ways creating feelings of danger. Why? To back us off from serving our God. To cause us to back off from being bold. The Devil is a master of intimidation. The truth is, when we are walking in a fearless faith, He is afraid of us. He is a master bluffer. Is there someone in your life that he speaks through to intimidate you?
C. Divorce
This is a major valley in our culture that one half of all marriages end with and walk through. Divorce unleashes all kinds of fear. What will I do? How will I survive? Who will love me? Who will reject me? Yes, it is a valley.
D. Depression
This is more a state of mind that often comes from circumstances, yet it results in all kinds of fear. The fear of being alone. The fear of being abandoned. The fear of facing tomorrow. Sometimes the fear is so strong that life is more than one can handle, that people will end their own lives. Behind this is a powerful force….which brings us to my next main point.
2. THE BIBLE CLEARLY TEACHES THAT EVIL IS OFTEN BEHIND ATTACKS OF FEAR
David said, I will fear no evil. He saw evil behind the fear waging against him. The one thing we can all do is not to participate in anything that will unleash the enemy's plan upon another's life. Let me share some wise advice that through a little story I read:
Illus-"Dr. Lawson, of Selkirk, a famout Scottish wit, as a wise and godly minister, was once approached by a busybody who wanted, with an air of great solemnity, to tell him of the wrong-doing of a brother in the church. The good minister turned to him and asked, 'Does anybody else know this butyou?' 'No, sir,' was the answer. 'Have you told it to anybody else?' Again the answer was 'No.' 'Then,' said the good man,'go home and hide it away at the feet of Jesus, and never speak of it again unless God leads you to speak to the man himself. If the Lord wants you to bring a scandal upon His church, let Him do it, but don't you be the instrument to cause it.' "
Friends, let's not be a party to bringing evil against someone else who may be in a valley.
3. AWARENESS OF GOD'S PRESENCE IS YOUR ANTIDOTE TO FEAR
David said, "Because Thou art with me…." Simply put, it is imperative that we take God at His word. He has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." You are not alone. One of the great fears is that of being alone. But for the believer, the truth is, we are never alone. The God who made the Universe is with us and in addition He is for us!
4. KNOWING GOD'S HEART TO DELIVER YOU WILL COMFORT YOU
David said, 'His rod and staff they comfort me." Dear saint, do you know your true standing with God. He is your Shepherd but much more, He is your Father in Heaven.
ILLUS-It is easy to know the knock of a beggar at one's door. Low, timid, hesitating, it seems to say, "I have no claim on the kindness of this house." . . . How different, on his return from school, the loud knocking, the bounding step, the joyous rush of the child into his father's presence. . . . Now, why are believers bold ? Glory to God in the highest ! It is to a father in God, to an elder brother in Christ, that Faith conducts our steps in prayer; therefore, in the hour of need, bold of spirit, she raises her suppliant hands, and cries, "O that thou wouldst rend the heavens, and come down." Guthrie.
CONCLUSION: Why don't you nail it down right now? God is a God of His Word. He is with you and His heart is to lead you through your valley with all its fear.
(Remember the sermon above contains illustrations that came right out of the new eBook I just launched entitled, 965 Sermon Illustrations.)
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