The Old Testament prophet Daniel had plenty of reasons to be afraid. He was captured as a teenager and taken to a foreign land. He was separated from his godly family and forced to live among pagans. He was routinely tested both academically and spiritually. He met face to face with the greatest ruler of his day. Yet Daniel did not allow fear to control him. Daniel focused on God, not on his circumstances. Daniel obeyed God's laws, not the pagan laws. And through Daniel's love, faith, and obedience to God, he thrived in an ungodly land.
The more we make reading the Bible a part of our daily routine, the more we desire and appreciate it.
We are also living in a foreign land. On a daily basis, we face temptations to conform to the world's standards. God's love for us is called into question every day by the world. We are routinely tested in our faith and character. But like Daniel, we must remember the love of God and put faith above fear in order to survive these obstacles. But how do we overcome our fear with faith in a practical way?
First, we need to prepare for the test by studying God's Word. We learn the Truth by studying what God says in Scripture. And the more we make reading the Bible a part of our daily routine, the more we desire and appreciate it. "How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path" (Psalm 119:103-104).
If you are paralyzed by fear and something is holding you back from stepping out in faith, ask for the Holy Spirit's guidance to help you overcome fear. Commit to studying God's Word and applying it to your life. Ask for God's help as you begin to trust Him more and more.
Prayer: God, help me to follow the example of Daniel and to put faith above fear. Help me to focus on You and to spend time in Your Word. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
"Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble" (Psalm 119:165).
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