Topic: Why You Don’t Have to Live in Fear – Daily Devotional by Proverbs 31 Ministries 4 February 2021

Why You Don’t Have to Live in Fear

“‘Don’t be afraid,’ the prophet answered. ‘Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.’” 2 Kings 6:16 (NIV)

Do you ever look around at all that is happening in our world today and feel fear grip your heart?

It’s something that can feel especially difficult as parents. We wonder if we’re teaching our children enough to stand strong as Christians in today’s culture. We worry about whether or not we’re equipping them well for the battles they’ll surely face.

We crave safety and certainty and simplicity as we raise our families, serve God and live out our Christian beliefs. But so many things feel threatening to those desires.

How do we navigate both our fears and our faith?

There’s a wonderful truth I turn to time and again when I get afraid. It’s in 2 Kings Chapter 6 verse 16, “‘Don’t be afraid,’ the prophet answered. ‘Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.’”

The prophet Elisha spoke this treasured truth to his servant. The servant was breathless with fear because he looked and saw a massive enemy army surrounding them. His desperation is so clearly heard in verse 15b: “‘Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?’ the servant asked.”

Their circumstances were horrible and hopeless when examined through human eyes.

But Elisha doesn’t look at circumstances with human eyes. He sees there are always two realities to everything we face: a physical reality but also a spiritual reality. Elisha clearly saw the frightening military leaders surrounding his city who thought they were in control. But he also saw an angel army sent by God who was far stronger, far greater and far more in control than any human eye could see.

I love what Elisha prays for his servant.

Elisha prays his spiritual eyes will be opened so his faith will be increased. He doesn’t pray for his servant’s fear to be eased. He doesn’t pray the enemy army turns and runs away. He doesn’t pray a new king will swoop onto the scene and change the cultural climate of that day. He doesn’t pray his circumstances will change at all. He simply prays his servant can see with spiritual eyes that God is in control.

“‘Don’t be afraid,’ the prophet answered. ‘Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.’ And Elisha prayed, ‘Open his eyes, LORD, so that he may see.’ Then the LORD opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha” (2 Kings 6:16-17, NIV). An angel army sent by God was there with a divine assignment.

His fear was then silenced as he saw the protection and provision of God.

And that’s how we can quiet our fears as well. Psalm 34:7 reminds us of this same truth, “The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them” (NIV).

That was true for Elisha’s fearful servant, and it is true for us, too. The Matthew Henry commentary says, “As angels are God’s messengers, so they are his soldiers, his hosts (Genesis 32:2), his legions, or regiments, (Matthew 26:53), for the good of his people.” And probably most comforting to my mom’s heart is Matthew 18:10, which says, “See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven” (NIV).

Angels are not mystical or mythological, nor are they supposed to be the object of our worship. They are biblical realities on assignment from God. They point me to recognize God’s presence and see God’s power. I need to remember this truth.

No matter what the nightly news says about current circumstances, God’s good news is my ultimate reality. The enemy is vicious, but he is not victorious. Therefore, I can sometimes feel afraid, but I don’t have to live afraid. Not for myself or for my children. And I believe with all of my heart that the lyrics of Chris Tomlin’s beautiful praise song are true: The God of angel armies is now and forever by our side.

Lord, thank You for Your careful concern for me and my family. We never have to feel alone or powerless because You are always with us. We are Your guarded and treasured children. Quiet all of my fears and keep reminding me that You are making all things right and good. I know Your love will reign supreme. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

TRUTH FOR TODAY

Psalm 91:11, “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” (ESV)