I had a dream about a month or two ago. It was one of those dreams where you have a very strong emotional reaction upon waking. And although you may not remember the details you never forget how it made you feel. In this dream I could hear a strange voice and see a flickering of light coming from a room down a hallway. I turned and asked the people in the room with me if they could hear the strange voice. But no one heard it but me. So, I walked down the hall and into the room. The room was dark, cold and extremely frightening. I turned to run and suddenly heard something that stopped me in my tracks: “Do not be afraid of what you see or hear.” I knew that this was a command from GOD. And I immediately experienced an overwhelming peace wash over me. Ever since this dream whenever I’ve received unfavorable news I am reminded of those words and it has given me a peace, confidence and boldness I can not even put into words.

Oh my friend, what unfavorable information have you recently seen or heard? Is it news of a layoff or foreclosure? Maybe an unfaithful spouse? Could it be a denial or rejection letter? Missed opportunity? Or perhaps a friend or family member is slipping back into an addiction or dangerous behavior. Whatever your unfavorable news know in your heart that you are not alone. You are never alone. GOD stands beside you. He fights for you and He has already made the crooked path straight. Numerous times in the Bible GOD commands us to not be afraid and promises to never leave or forsake us. In Deuteronomy 31:6 it says “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your GOD who goes with you.” In Joshua 1:9 it says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed for the Lord your GOD is with you wherever you go.” In Hebrews 13:6 it says “So we confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” And in every single situation GOD was faithful and delivered each person from their enemies.

My friend, whatever unfavorable information you may have received I have been sent to tell you that you do not have to be afraid any longer. Like a heavy bag of bricks you can lay it down on the floor. Drop it. Release it. Exhale the poison of fear from your heart and inhale the love and peace of GOD. You are covered. Before you can even look back down at that heavy bag of bricks Jesus has carried it away. He owns it now. It’s no longer in your possession. The peace of GOD engulfs you like a warm blanket on a cold day. The assurance of His power surrounds you. The promise of His presence and care hedges you in. So, you can cast your cares onto Him and know in your heart that you are covered, surrounded and hedged in (1 Peter 5:7). The GOD who covers you is the same GOD who created all that is seen and unseen. He is the same GOD who created the vast universe and keeps it together with indescribable precision. He is the same GOD that says that nothing is too hard for Him (Genesis 18:14, Jeremiah 32:17, Matthew 19:26, Mark 10:27, Luke 18:27). He is Jehovah Jireh (the GOD who provides). He is El Shaddai (the all-sufficient GOD).

And He is mindful of you.

The news you may have received has not taken GOD by surprise. He’s waiting to give you His peace; the peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). When GOD commands you to not be afraid of what you see or hear it’s because He is in control. It’s because He has already made the crooked path straight. It’s because He’s already provided a way of deliverance. So, release your fear to Him and receive the peace, boldness, and confidence that only GOD can give you. You will not regret it. I promise you.

I truly hope this message blesses you. I see you walking with a newfound confidence and boldness that the world didn’t give you and the world can’t take away. I see it my friend and boy am I excited for you.