Facing Our Fears

Fear is a gift from God. It is actually one of God’s great gifts. It alerts us to dangers that may be waiting in dark alleys. It awakens us at night when we hear strange sounds that make no sense. It causes us to take precautions when accidents happen. It summons our senses when things are out of “the ordinary.” It’s God’s “early warning system” that notifies us that something unusual or unique is about to happen. Fear, after all is said and done, is necessary for us to survive.

Some fears are helpful, some are harmful. Dr. Samuel Johnson, for example, would never step into a room with his left foot. He sincerely believed that something terrible would happen to him in that room if he “stuck” his left foot in first. Julius Caesar was terrified by the sound of thunder and would hide. Even Peter the Great, with all of his power, cried out in fear when he was forced to cross a bridge. Those, we might say, are harmful.

David also had his fears. His friends forsook him, his confidants betrayed him and his family was not loyal to him. But he overcame all of his fears by his faith in the faithfulness of God. “When I am afraid,” he said, “I will trust in You - In my God, whose Word I praise.” He was not fear free. He was faith focused.

When doubts surfaced and threats surrounded him, when times were uncertain and days filled with dangers, he always turned to God in faith knowing that God had His hands over him and His arms around him.

Prayer: Remove our unfounded fears, Father. May we learn to trust in You as our protector and defender. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 56:3, 4a Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God (I will praise His word), In God I have put my trust;