“After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.”” – Genesis 15:1 

Scripture reading: Genesis 15:1-5

“Do not be afraid” is one of the most common commands in Scripture. Yet coming from God, it’s not so much a rebuke as a gentle and gracious encouragement. It has a gospel ring to it. After Abram’s bold rescue of Lot, perhaps he feared revenge from those powerful kings. Life is full of such fears, but God Himself comes with compassion to encourage Abram: “Do not fear!”

Abram need not fear, because “‘I’ am your shield,” God says. The “I” is emphatic—God Himself is Abram’s protection. “I am your exceedingly great reward.” You have Me! Whatever else may come, what more could Abram want? What could be greater than having God Himself?

But Abram still wrestles with childlessness. Don’t misunderstand. Abram is not saying, “God, You’re not enough; I want kids.” No, Abram is working with God’s promise. He knows God’s blessing to the nations will only come through his descendants. So, God graciously confirms His promise: “Look up at the sky and count the stars, if you can. So shall your descendants be!”

What are you afraid of? The future? Failure? Your own sin and guilt? Take hold of God’s promise. He has given Himself to you in His Son. Trust Him. He is your shield and exceedingly great reward.

Suggestions for prayer

Reflect on what makes you afraid. Bring those fears to God in prayer. Embrace and engage His promises. Thank Him that in Christ He has given Himself to you. Ask for courage to live as a “so-that” person—blessed to be a blessing, in confidence that God is your protection and your reward.

Pastor John A. Bouwers is pastor of the Hope Reformed Church (URCNA) in Brampton, ON, where he has served since December 2017. He is married to Julie, and they praise God together for His abounding grace and covenant faithfulness. And it is their prayer that together with all of God’s people they and their descendants may be thankful “so-that” people, being taught the ways of the Lord, embracing the promises of the Lord, keeping covenant with the Lord, and then getting out of our comfort zones, “so-that” many more from all the nations may be glad to know God and worship Him. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.