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October 12, 2009 - Discouraged and Full of Doubt

"Do not fear; I will help you. Do not be afraid, O worm, O little Israel, for I myself will help you," declares the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel." Is. 41:13b-14 
 
Fear is something that can extinguish the joy in life.  It can make the healthiest person sick to his or her stomach.  It can paralyze your ability to think clearly.  Those who regularly experience fear know too well its byproduct - discouragement and doubt. 
 
Today, many people focus on their fears instead of the rich promises of God.  We fear financial ruin because of the ongoing recession.  We fear the loss of our jobs because of a declining economy and further devaluation of the U.S. currency.  Many fear a global war with countries like Iran or terrorists who have taken over missile armories.  Then we fear what will happen to America because of the decline of the moral and social values we once cherished.
 
The singer and psalmist, Asaph, who wrote twelve of the Psalms found in our Bible, shares with us his remedy for discouragement and doubt.  In Psalms 73 we read that at one time Asaph was prideful and arrogant.  He wrongly viewed those who had prosperity as wicked.  Asaph looked at those who were connected and successful and was seemingly jealous. He was also in despair about his own condition.
 
Then he realized that his focus had been wrong.  In verses 16 and 17 we read, "When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny." Psalm 73:16-17 (NIV)  Asaph realized that living a life without fear, discouragement, and doubt is not a function of a person's wealth or status in life.  It has to do with our focus and faith.
 
Jesus reminds us, "I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.  Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows (Luke 12:6,7,8).
 
No matter how you feel about your circumstances remember the words the Apostle Paul left with us in order to help us keep our eyes on the eternal truth and blessings we will eventually claim: "By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh's daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward." Hebrews 11:24-26 (NIV)
 
When fear raises its ugly head and challenges our peace remember to daily appropriate the promises of God and look ahead to your eternal reward.