Champion: How to Walk Through This World With Boldness

We are instructed to not live in fear, but the struggle is all too real. Only with our Champion can we walk through life with boldness.

I recently saw a posting on Facebook that said, “Fear not can be found 365 times in the Bible.” As a natural doubting Thomas, I went in search of this for myself. According to the Bible App, there are only 71 instances of “fear not” in the New English Translation. However, I found the words “don’t be afraid” 342 times. Of course, this is completely unscientific research and open to mistakes.

Fear Not

I’m pretty sure our Father is telling us something important here. He doesn’t want us walking around this world with fear in our hearts. And yet I had to add that last sentence because I am afraid I may have miscounted and someone will think poorly of me for it.

So we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper, and I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”

Hebrews 13:6, NET

I fight this feeling of fear on a daily basis. Being a mother has only made it worse. I am afraid that others are talking behind my back or that they don’t like my kids. I am afraid my kids will get hurt, or that my husband will be in an accident. Then I am afraid when I hear noises at night. I don’t like the dark. When I get sick I’m afraid it’s worse than it is.

Now, I try to keep these feelings on a short leash and rarely ever share them with anyone (they sound crazy). But this fear also keeps me from doing God’s work. It keeps me from going up to a stranger who looks like they need help. Or from inviting an acquaintance to come with our family to church on Sunday. Fear is the weapon of the enemy.

The Struggle is Real

Earlier this week I was really struggling hard. I was overwhelmed by fear. When this happens I find strength in music. Because God speaks to me and calms my spirit with melody. In my hour of need, He put the right song on, “The Voice of Truth,” sang by Casting Crowns. I L-O-V-E this song.

Thinking about Peter stepping out of the boat and David facing Goliath gave me such encouragement. “I will listen and believe the Voice of truth.”

I can to all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:13, KJV

Our Champion is By Our Side

Our Father is right here with us. He is our champion and we have no reason to be afraid. Fear isn’t a God-inspired emotion, it is from the enemy who puts a yoke on us to follow a path that isn’t ordained. For this reason, the weight is heavy and often impossible to throw off in our own strength. We need help, daily.

Another thing that helped me this week was having a stranger come up to tell me that I was doing a great job being a mom. My son and I were in Target walking through the isles and he was telling me an outrageously silly story. Afterward, I told him he was super creative and an out of the box problem thinker. The lady shopping beside of us said, “Great job mom. We need those kids to be creative thinkers and have fun doing it.”

Those words were a warm blanket to my heart. So, the next time I worry that his silly stories make him sound too juvenile or a little crazy, I’ll take that moment out and remember. God is always by our side. Sometimes, He speaks through other people.

Stepping Out of Fear

Earlier, I was considering which of my prayers I would put at the end of this devotional. They have been disjointed, sporadic, and definitely unfocused during this week of uncertainty and fear. In other words, none of them were any good to share. However, in my earlier research, I came across one that I think I will write down and speak out loud next time fear starts to lean into my life.

Whoever speaks, let it be with God’s words. Whoever serves, do so with the strength that God supplies, so that in everything God will be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.

1 Peter 4:11, NET

love, me