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confidence instead of fear

Deuteronomy 20:1-4 (JDV)

Deuteronomy 20:1 “When you go out to war against your enemies and see horses, chariots, and an army larger than yours, do not be afraid of them, because Yahveh your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, is with you.
Deuteronomy 20:2 When you are about to engage in battle, the priest is to come forward and address the army.
Deuteronomy 20:3 He is to say to them: ‘Listen, Israel: Today you are about to engage in battle with your enemies. Do not be cowardly. Do not be afraid, alarmed, or terrified because of them.
Deuteronomy 20:4 You see, Yahveh your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.’

confidence instead of fear

“Do not be afraid” is one of the commandments emphasized in both testaments. Note this New Testament example:

Mark 6:50 because they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, “Have confidence, it is I; do not be afraid.”

The reason Jesus gave for expecting confidence from his disciples is the same reason Moses gives here. “Yahveh your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.”

There are lots of things we will experience in this life which foster legitimate fear. God does not promise us that we can avoid or escape those things. But he does promise to go with us through them.

Lord, we chose to face our fears, because we have confidence in you. We know you are going with us to fight for us and against anything that threatens us.

See also:

Chapter 13 FORGET YOUR FEARS