DEVOTION, DECEMBER 9, 2020, Fear or Faith?

Zephaniah 3:15b  (NASB) The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst; You will fear disaster no more.

Mark 4:40 (NASB)
⁴⁰  And He said to them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

Zephaniah reminds Israel that their King is present with them. Why do they fear disaster? Of course, we know that the true King of Israel is Jesus, and He is indeed present with His people. We should never fear that some disaster will defeat us. Jesus spoke the words from Mark when the disciples feared they would be overwhelmed by a storm. The Lord is asleep on the stern. He calms the storm. He asks them a pointed question, “Why are you afraid?” Jesus arrives at the heart of the problem. They are weak in faith.

These texts call upon us to ask a question of ourselves – – – “Am I afraid?” What do I fear? What can do any permanent damage to me if the King is with me, and I trust Him? Amid life’s trials, we need to remember that King Jesus is with us. As we apply our faith to the storms of life, they will not overwhelm us. If we give in to our human emotions, fear will overtake us.

Suppose you are faced with a life-threatening illness, emotions will cry out, “This is awful! Why has God allowed this to overtake me? This is unfair! I don’t deserve this!” Faith says, “I don’t like this, but I will trust in God. Jesus is with me. I will either be healed or go home to be with the Lord. I can’t lose! I choose faith over

fear.”  Choosing faith is always the right choice.

Father in heaven, I thank you for Your promise to be with me always. When I face the storms of life, I will trust in You. I will not allow fear to cancel out my faith. I thank You for You great promises. In the holy name of Jesus, Amen.