Fear No Fear

“Let my soul live and praise You, and let Your judgments come to my aid” (Psalm 119:175, MEV). God’s commands aren’t given to restrict us in a negative way. We don’t let children run around with knives or scissors. It isn’t because we’re trying to keep them from the sheer awesomeness of running with pointed things. We’re trying to keep them from having the opportunity to stab others or be stabbed themselves. We’re protecting them from the opportunity to be hurt. No matter WHAT the child thinks about it, THAT is the point of the restriction. God’s commands work the same way. They are meant to keep us safe and to help us not to hurt others. They are protective. They are a BLESSING. There is a lot that is presented to us in life that gives us opportunities to hurt ourselves or others – and these opportunities do NOT always seem negative. We cannot even see some of the hurts we cause. We cannot conceive of HOW they could hurt ANYONE. Yet the only objective perspective that exists tells us the truth. God tells us what is harmful and what is not. God shows us how to benefit from the Truth. God shows us how much He loves us by being truthful with us. We can live lives that don’t cause hurt or harm to anyone – ourselves or others. It’s possible because of God. Because of what Jesus did for us. Because of the love God shows to us. What great reasons for gratitude. What great reasons to praise the Lord. What great reasons to rejoice. He loves us SO MUCH!