(K)NOTs of Victory
John 14:18 I will not leave you comfortless
Knots are seldom considered a desired thing. We don't like them in our fine wood work. We don't want them in our shoelaces. No one likes to feel their stomach all tensed up to the point that they say-- "my stomach is in knots".
The word "not" is always an adverb. An adverb modifies a verb and answers manner, degree, or frequency (as well as other things)
But there are some good nots and they are found throughout the Bible.
I. FEAR NOT
This exact phrase is found no less than 63 times in the Word of God.
God and Jesus both commanded it to their followers. Other godly leaders in the Bible gave the admonition as well.
Fear is a faith killer. A person who is filled with fear cannot advance in certain areas of their life. That fear which troubleth you has to be conquered.
1Jo 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
Levels of Fear
Depressed
Oppressed
Obsessed
Possessed
Let us not confuse the difference between "being careful" and "being fearful". One will help you to manuever around and dodge the danger. The other will freeze you in your tracks and lead you to spiritual paralysis.
Acting in fear can be more detrimental than doing otherwise.
Personal illustration: When I was a boy, I delivered newspapers in my small hometown. I threw papers from my bicycle. I had a terrible fear of dogs. One day as I passed a house on the route, a big German Shepherd had broke his chain. He saw me and started chasing me. I was pumping the pedals as fast as possible and about to have a heart attack. After racing for a few minutes, my pant leg got caught in the sprocket and threw me to the ground. I frantically got up, looking to see if the dog was about to attack. Then I realized that he was no where to be found. He had pursued only a few hundred feet. Nevertheless, I had caused myself other grief and despair.
Isa 35:4 Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you.
Isa 41:13 For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.
Lu 12:32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
II. FRET NOT
This terminology is used 4 times in the Bible (all in the Psalms).
Ps 37:7 ¶ Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.
The word fret in english brings the idea of a child pouting about not getting his or her way.
In the original language, it is the word "charah", and it means to become vexed, upset, grieved, incensed, or enraged.
In each case in the Bible, the action takes place due to an unhealthy pondering and observance of what some unrighteous person or group of persons seems to be getting away with.
The Rest and the Blessing that the Lord wants to give you, may sometimes evade you if you are out of focus. We need to look and meditate on the goodness of God toward us and not consuming our minds with what others may obtain undeservingly.
III. FAINT NOT
The phrase is used on 4 occasions in the New Testament and inferred in one other verse.
More than 30 other verses speak of fainting as a matter to avoid.
Ga 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
2Th 3:13 But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. {be...: or, faint not }
Isa 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Fainting can be caused by a number of things.
Improper diet
Inadequate rest
Insufficient oxygen flow
Excessive nervousness
IV. FAIL NOT
Used 4 times in the Word of God
Your faith will be put to the test.
Lu 22:32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
Here the word "fail" signifies to cease or to die.
The devil would love more than anything to see your faith die. Whether by fear, by fretting, or by fainting; he wants you to fail.
A failed faith is a worthless faith. James 2:20 tells us that "faith without works is dead".
Real faith works.
Some types of faith that fail: cultural faith, logical faith, seasonal faith.
Let us put our faith to work. Reach out and believe for others who need you.
How very important it is that we each pray one for another, especially in times of trial, tribulation, and trouble. These are trying times, in which one can easily feel isolated and lonely.
There is an old hymn that says:
Lord don't let me fail
I want to make the bride
When my way is drear
Keep me by thy side
When my way is dark
Let me always see
Something in my life
That thou hast done for me
Another old hymn says: I would not be denied
