Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 NIV
I visited a puppy who had never seen feet. He was all over me, leaping and chewing, then he saw my bare feet in sandals. He backed up looking scared to death. He sat on the couch in a little ball as far away from me as possible. When I showed him my feet again to reassure him they would do him no harm, he tried to climb over the back of the couch to get away.
Mallory doesn’t like men who wear hats or hoods. She barks like a mad dog till they bare their heads. Harley didn’t like hardwood floors. He would go from throw rug to throw rug and even walk backwards when necessary to avoid his paws touching a bare floor. Each of us could contribute a story on our dogs’ phobias and idiosyncrasies.
Like dogs, we all have things in life we fear or at least find unpleasant, but the bible tells us not to fear. I read that we are told not to fear or worry at least 80 times in the bible. God constantly reassures us that he is with us and in control. There is no reason to be afraid when God is on your side.
Fear is one of the enemy’s favorite weapons. Satan uses fear to paralyze us. We will not be victorious Christians if we are afraid. There will be no hope and no victory with fear controlling us. II Timothy 1:7 tells us, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” I John 4:18 says, “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” God is love and he will cast out your fear. Ephesians 6:11 states, “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Protect yourself from fear by wearing the armor of God.
Having the word of God hid in your heart is the best defense when fear attacks. The following verses will give you ammunition against Satan’s fear tactics:
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” Psalm 56:3
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
“But now, this is what the Lord says…Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1
When you come up against something which makes you afraid (even if it’s a pair of feet), call upon God. He is the one who spoke the world into being. He is the one who gave you all the precious promises in the bible to call your own. He is your God. He will never leave you or forsake you. He loves you and that’s why there is nothing to fear.
Just Another Dog Devotion 