We Have Fearless Confidence
Thursday’s Verse:
From Hebrews 13:6 ESV
“So we can confidently say, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?’”
Did you know that there are some chills that are worse than cold ones? When we feel cold on the outside, we can put on a heavy jacket or sweater to keep warm. But what can we do when we are cut to the core by sharp words? If our boss or teacher, someone we thought was a friend, speaks unkindly to us, it makes us feel small and frightened.
The Bible offers a promise for such times—a warmer coat than any knit pullover or down-filled jacket. It comes from the Scriptures: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear.”
This is not a boastful verse; it is a confessional one. The author of Hebrews is writing to believers who were under pressure and persecution. His point is that the Christian’s courage does not depend on any human applause, but on the holy presence of God. People may talk about us, flatter or berate us, but the Lord’s presence is certain and secure.
God hears all the words spoken against us, even more so, against His dear children. He not only hears our cry, but He knows the thoughts of our hearts (Psalm 44:1). The Lord knows when we are spoken against and why. He will vindicate us one day. For now, He gives us this special promise – that He is our helper.
Jesus, too, was falsely accused and spoken against by many people. As He made His way to the cross, He was shouted at, spat upon, and derided. But in all this, the Son of God could trust in the help of the Father. Risen and glorified, He is walking with us in all our lowly times.
When we feel that the barbs of criticism pierce our hearts, we can bring them before God in prayer. If people are unkind and ungracious, God is not. The divine help of the Lord is like a cloak of perfect love that surrounds us, shielding us from every unkind word.
Prayers
A Prayer for Today:
Lord Jesus, when I feel small or discouraged by others, remind me that You are my helper and my strength. Help me face the day with courage instead of bitterness, and rest in Your unchanging grace. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
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