Do Not Be Afraid

God Writes the Lyrics of Our Souls in the Psalms.

35 On that day, when evening had come, he (Jesus) said to them (disciples), “Let us go across to the other side.” 36 And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. 38 But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” 39 And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 40 He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” 41 And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”

• Mark 4:35-41

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

2 When evildoers assail me to eat up my flesh, my adversaries and foes, it is they who stumble and fall.

3 Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident.

> - Psalm 27:1-3

FEAR DIMINISHES IN OUR LIFE WHEN GOD INCREASES IN OUR LIFE.

Fear Becomes Less When We Become Less

Responding with faith instead of fear Requires Trusting God More than We Trust Ourselves.

One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after:

that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple.

5 For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock.

6 And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me, and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to the Lord.

13 “I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! 14 Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!

> - Psalm 27:4-6;13-14

To respond in Faith instead of Fear We need to Preach the Truth to Ourselves.

BECAUSE

Biblical Truth Overpowers Worldly Fears.

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” - John 16:33

John 10:28: “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.

2 Corinthians 12:9” 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. - Romans 8:28

“Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud; be gracious to me and answer me! 8 You have said, “Seek my face.” My heart says to you, “Your face, Lord, do I seek.” 9 Hide not your face from me. Turn not your servant away in anger, O you who have been my help. Cast me not off; forsake me not, O God of my salvation! 10 For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the Lord will take me in. 11 Teach me your way, O Lord, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies. 12 Give me not up to the will of my adversaries; for false witnesses have risen against me, and they breathe out violence.

THROUGH FAITH IN JESUS, WE NEVER HAVE TO FEAR BEING REJECTED BY GOD.