There should be a user’s manual for new dads. Grandfathers don’t need one, but young parents sure do. I know, because I was a stumbling, goof of a father to my children. It wasn’t until I became a grandfather that I learned how to be a good dad. I was way too strict with my kids, disciplined them far too often, and held them not nearly enough. I needed an instruction book. 

I love my kids. And, I love my grandkids. I wish I had spoiled my kids as much as I do my grandkids. I wish I had more time and money to spoil the grandchildren. 

How many of you can tell your children or grandchildren NO? I don’t mean when they throw a tantrum. I mean when they earnestly approach you and tearfully beg for something they want with all their heart. Are you able to tell them NO then? I’ll bet not.

That act of earnest begging…. of tearfully pleaing… that is supplication. 

Look how that word is used in Philippians 4:6 –

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

Earnestly beg God. Plea with Him. Go to Him as the Good Father Who needs no instruction book. He will care for you. 

Fear Not for we have a good Father. 

I can’t stand talking on the phone. I absolutely hate it. My wife and kids think it’s them. My wife especially tries to make me feel bad any time I cut her phone calls short. On the other hand, cutting my phone calls short must make her – and my kids -feel bad. I don’t mean to. 

The Bible describes our relationship with Christ as a marriage. No marriage could last if the husband and wife never talk. Few marriages could survive if the participants talk only when necessary. Yet, how often do we speak with our Savior?

The Bible tells us to pray continuously, but I would venture to say that the majority of Christians pray only when they are in desperate straits. I used to be like that. 

Yet, there is a distinct benefit to prayer. I mean, sure there are several obvious benefits. Prayer builds your relationship with the Savior. Soon one finds He is no longer just your Savior, but also your Lord. God answers the prayers of the righteous.  There is one more benefit, one that Paul points out here. 

Prayer relieves fear and anxiety. 

Are you afraid? Pray. Are you anxious? Pray. Pick up the metaphorical phone and talk to Jesus. 

Fear Not. Pray!

I stood in front of a TV and watched tracer bullets streaming across the screen. It was a particularly frightening night. It was the beginning of the Gulf War. It was 1990.

American generals knew that their involvement in that part of the world would make the nation of Israel vulnerable.  Indeed, they became a target. By the next year, Iraqi missle attacks on the Holy Land seemed like a daily occurrence.

One attack sent a series of 39 missles into Israel. Witnesses describe that day as a miraculous one. US Patriot missles knocked some out of the sky. Others that looked like they were on track, suddenly went off course, and fell in the sea. Still others were thrown off course by wind shears. Some hit their target but failed to detonate. A few detonated in areas where they could do no harm. 

39 missles. 39 miracles. 

God protects His children. He fights for them. As far back as Moses, Joshua, and Gideon God fought for His children. Today, God continue to fight for us. 

Us? By us, I don’t mean just the Nation of Israel. I don’t mean America. I mean those who have been adopted into the family of God. I mean you and I. 

Fear Not… If we allow Him, God will fight our battles.