Day 6
Hope is an Antidote to Fear
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” [Jeremiah 29:11]
In his book It’s Not About the Bike, renowned cyclist Lance Armstrong writes these words about hope: “Hope is the only antidote to fear.” Whether he realized it or not, Armstrong stated a biblical truth.
So many of us spend a lot of our time listening to our fears and worries about the future. We do have a lot we could worry about — our family members, our future plans, our relationships, our dreams, our struggles, our financial situations, our needs — the list is endless. There’s a true story about a time Stonewall Jackson had planned a daring attack. One of his generals fearfully objected saying, “I am afraid of this,” and, “I worry that.…” Jackson’s answer to his general is still great advice for us today. He put his hand on his worrisome general’s shoulder and said, “General, never take counsel of your fears.”
For most of us, there are usually deeper questions behind our fears and worries: Does God have my best interest at heart? Can I trust God to take care of me? Is God truly good?
Jeremiah 29:11 answers this question emphatically: ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’
This passage is all about hope. Hope in God’s promise to take care of his people. Hope in God’s plans for His people — in this life and the next. Hope in God’s heart of love for His people. This passage teaches us that God does have our best interest at heart, He can be trusted to take care of us and He is good.
Next time you’re tempted to take counsel of your fears, open your Bible and read Jeremiah 29:11. Read it until God’s words of hope for you drown out the words of fear and worry. Read it until it becomes part of your heart. Read it until you are confident of God’s good plans for your future — in this life and the next.
Question to Consider
In what area of my life am I taking counsel of my fears? What am I worried about right now? Have I brought it to God in prayer — and left it there?
Prayer
Thank You, God, for the plans You have for me; plans for hope and a future!