Fear, in all its forms, has sadly become the great enemy of our generation.
I’ve personally dealt with it, seen it first-hand at home with one of my children, and in the many lives of people God brings across my path. And honestly, it angers me because the devil is behind all of it.
Fear can be a debilitating disease– it hinders people’s growth and endangers their future. And it is the very opposite of the victory we have in Christ Jesus. So today I want to give you a scripture and break it down together so we can really meditate on the truth: “In righteousness you shall be established; You shall be far from oppression, for you shall not fear…” (Isaiah 54:14).
Let’s start with my favorite subject; I’ll give you the biblical definition and then explain it further–
Righteousness
By definition: Righteousness is the quality or state of being right; right-standing with God, including the ability to stand before Him without guilt or sin.
This is God’s design. It’s the major reason Jesus came to earth. He became what we were so we could become what He is. And as believers in Jesus Christ, this is how God sees all believers (regardless of how we see or feel about ourselves). In both the old and new testaments, righteousness is the keyword in scripture that ties believers to God and God to His children. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, “God made Jesus, who knew no sin, to be sin for us, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.” This was a great exchange! And a gift.
Established
By definition: Established means to bring into being on a firm or stable basis; to cause to be accepted or recognized; to ordain for permanence.
If our righteousness was the goal, then to be established is the process. God doesn’t waver like man. He sets our feet upon a rock and establishes our steps (Psalm 40:1-2). When we consistently grow in our understanding of the righteousness we’ve received through Jesus, it is hard for the devil to shake us. Trials and tribulations don’t faze the believer who knows he or she has been made right with God in Christ. They are established in this truth and despite everyday challenges (can we say, come hell or high water), they are immovable– and if ever shaken, they bounce back.
Oppression
By definition: Oppression is the feeling of being heavily burdened, mentally or physically, by troubles, adverse conditions, or anxiety and fear.
This is why I get mad. God’s people are strong and victorious! So when the devil deceives, manipulates, and burdens children of God for whatever reason, it hurts my heart. Mainly because I’ve been there –and can be tempted to dance with the devil every day in this arena. BUT… I refuse. Not because of anything I am or can do in my own strength, but because of what Jesus has done for me –and my firm persuasion of it.
Jesus said, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor…” (Luke 4:18). The word poor here literally means those who are crouched and broken in spirit. This is the epitome of oppression and fear. And honestly, it simply stems from a lack of understanding or knowledge of truth (including how to combat it). What I want you to know is this: “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him” (Acts 10:38).
This is your Savior. And 1 John 4:4 says, “…He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” Therefore, the same power and spirit that defeated Satan dwells richly within you. This is the truth you have to tap into when fear and anxiousness knock on the door of your heart.
Lastly, let”s talk about FEAR
By definition: Fear is a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, or pain; whether real or imagined, feelings of dread or apprehension.
The mere mention of fear makes me want to kick the devil in the teeth because it’s an awful evil and should never be associated with God’s children, yet I see people plagued by fear every day. Fear of man… fear of pain… fear of rejection… fear of sleep — all stemming from the same source (and it’s not God).
Our Father God has NOT given us a spirit of fear. Paul told Timothy, “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7 AMPC).
I realize fear is real, but we don’t have to accept it. God isn’t the author of fear– the devil is. Therefore, as a believer in our Living, Victorious Jesus, we need to learn to hand that plate back to the devil and say NO THANK YOU. Because although “Fear can keep us up all night long, faith makes one fine pillow” (unknown).
Truth sets us free.
“In righteousness you shall be established; You shall be far from oppression, for you shall not fear…” (Isaiah 54:14).
Let this be your focus today. Quote it. Speak it. Memorize it. Meditate on it often. This is who you are and how God wants you to live each day– far from fear and oppression.
Remember: you are the righteousness of God in Christ!
