"Fear not, little flock . . . " Luke 12:32
But my God shall supply all your need . . . " Philippians 4:19
Christians in Scripture are referred to as "sheep." This underscores their inherent weakness, for sheep are feeble compared to lions, horses, and oxen. Since sheep are without much natural equipment for fighting off their adversaries, they are quite helpless when attacked. They just huddle together and bleat piteously when an enemy assaults them. Their only hope for survival is to be found in the protection afforded by a faithful shepherd who will often guard and defend them at the risk of his own life. Fear, therefore, is characteristic of sheep.
Our Good Shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ, knows the inherent weakness of His own against their arch adversary - the devil. He knows the fears that naturally arise in our hearts, and yet He admonishes us to take courage, to put aside our nameless dread. He invites us to find comfort in His sure protection and kindly leading. The fact that He will guide and encamp round about us provides sweet comfort and assurance. He will not only protect us and supply our every need, but will do so with an overflowing abundance that will make our cup of blessing "run over." His assuring words are, "Fear not, little flock"!
A Johns Hopkins doctor says that people who worry die much sooner than non-worriers! To live by worry means ultimate destruction of the body and results as well in a sad withering of the soul. God wants us to have faith and not fear!
One of Spurgeon's quaint saying was: "If there was an ant at the door of your granary begging for help, it would not ruin you to give him a grain of your wheat." Then he would say, "Remember, you are but a tiny insect at the door of God's all-sufficiency - do not doubt His sure supply!"
"Bread For Each Day"
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