Anchor Devotional
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Do Not Be Afraid
“I said to the nobles … and the rest of the people, ‘Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.’” Nehemiah 4:14
Over time, the brokenness of this world and endless opposition begins to seep into our bones. By verse 10 of Nehemiah 4, God’s people are repeating the same lies that their enemies lifted up against them earlier in the chapter. As their hearts begin to fail within them, they face growing danger from their enemies (v. 11). To make matters worse, their own families called them to lay down their arms and come home (v. 12).
Friends, we must take the brokenness of this world seriously! Not only will we be attacked by a rebellious world, but we will occasionally be betrayed by family and friends. Don’t you dare follow the paths of our present culture and look to your own heart for refuge. You heart is often as much a foe as a friend.
Instead, look to the Lord. “Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome" (v. 14). He is greater than the world, and He is greater than our hearts. The slaying of His own Son was the means by which He conquered His every foe and crushed the head of the serpent (see Genesis 3:15; 1 Corinthians 15:20-28).
SCRIPTURE FOCUS
Nehemiah 4:10-14
INSIGHT
Look only to the Lord for your strength. Do not be afraid, because the One who is great and awesome is on your side!
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
1 Samuel 24-25
Psalm 132
Galatians 1-2
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