BirdingPastor

Fear

“When I am afraid, I will trust in you.” (Psalm 56:3)

Fear is a universal human experience. We fear personal harm – family crises – financial setbacks – loss of employment – aging & death - peoples’ opinions - and a myriad of other (potentially) negative situations.

Fear can drive us to distracted focus - hasty decisions – relational tension - poor health – even an early grave.

David (the writer of the psalm above) does not deny fear. He knows it will come. He wrote this shortly after being seized by enemies, an experience that I hope none of us will share.

But he allowed fear to drive him to the Lord. Fear triggered prayer, triggered seeking the Lord. In the Lord he could rest, in the Lord he could regain confidence, in the Lord he could regain life perspective.

Do you fear sometimes? I do. When you do, think (and act) through these verses:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition (begging, pouring yourself out to the Lord), with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding (figuring your situation out is not the key, He is), will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6 & 7

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4

“Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you. The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” Hebrews 13:5 & 6 (portions)

“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” I Peter 5:7

Denying fear or avoiding difficult circumstances are not answers; trusting in the ever present God is. Have a blessed month!