Fear is a Robber - Your Daily Forward Devotional

Fear is a Robber

With Tiffany Crawford

June 12, 2020




Have you been robbed? I have.

I remember being robbed about two years ago. You see, our youngest son was diagnosed with epilepsy. I was continually being robbed by fear and worry. I kept focusing on the situation, and I let fear rob me of my time and attention.

You see, fear is a robber. Fear robs us of precious moments with our families. It robs us of the peace that God promises us. Fear is a robber. Fear robbed me until I refocused on God’s Word.

Proverbs 12:25 says, “Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.”

Fear robs. Fear creates shackles that paralyze. That’s what this proverb is saying. When we focus on fear and embrace the anxiety that comes with it, we become paralyzed. It’s as if we can’t think. We can’t think. We can’t act.

What’s the alternative? Focusing on truth and, as the writer says, “a good word.”

There is no better Word of Truth than the Bible. When I’m feeling anxious and worried, I know God’s Word has a message for me, and I know He has a message for you.

A message I frequently turn to is 1 Peter 5:7, which says, when you’re facing fear, throw it on God. Why? Because He cares for you.

So today, don’t focus on the worry. Turn to God’s Word. Turn to God and allow Him to carry the load.

Text in Context: Read Proverbs 12.

Reflect: Collectively, what do these proverbs say about the power of words? What’s the connection between our words and our works (v. 14)?

Respond: How do words impact you? What’s the best word of encouragement you’ve ever received? How can you encourage someone who’s facing a hard time?

Prayer: Father, you are the giver of truth. Help me to cling to your Word and less to the lies of the world. Amen.