Want to dispel the darkness of fear

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DAILY DEVOTIONAL – Sunday, June 14, 2015

Scripture reading:

Fear is a dark shadow that envelops us and ultimately imprisons us within ourselves. Each of us has been a prisoner of fear at one time or another—fear of rejection, misunderstanding, uncertainty, sickness, or even death. But we can conquer fear by using the bright liberating light of the Lord, who brings salvation. If we want to dispel the darkness of fear, let us remember with the psalmist that “the Lord is my light and my salvation.”

David’s greatest desire was to live in God’s presence each day of his life. Sadly, this is not the greatest desire of many who claim to be believers. But those who desire to live in God’s presence each day will be able to enjoy that relationship forever. (NLT)

Psalm 27:1-6 – The Lord is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid? The Lord protects me from danger—so why should I tremble?

When evil people come to destroy me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will know no fear. Even if they attack me, I remain confident.

The one think I ask of the Lord—the thing I seek most—is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in his Temple. For he will conceal me there when troubles come; he will hide me in his sanctuary. He will place me out of reach on a high rock. Then I will hold my head high, above my enemies who surround me.

If God is for us, who can be against us? – Romans 8:31 (NIV)

Linawati Santoso’s (East Java, Indonesia) story is titled “A BIG GOD;” here is a portion of Linawati’s story:

“I work as a tutor. At the time of her promotion to the next grade, one of my youngest students said to me, ‘The next class would’ve been hard, but because you’re here with me, I don’t need to worry.’

“Her simple words reminded me of my journey with God. Sometimes I feel fear in the midst of life’s severe problems. I worry and often cannot sleep. The fear makes me forget that an almighty God is always beside me. In fact, God is never far away from any of us. . .”

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY – Because God is near, I need not fear.

Prayer: Almighty God, help us not to worry and to trust that you are always near and will never leave us. As Jesus taught us, we pray, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, our kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it I is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one” (Matt. 6:9-13, NIV). Amen.

To read the rest of the story in The Upper Room, click on the following link: http://devotional.upperroom.org/