Facing Our Fears

Fear is a gift from God. It is one of God’s greatest gifts. It alerts us to dangers that may be lurking in dark alleys. It awakens us at night when we hear strange sounds that make no sense. It causes us to take precautions to avoid accidents. It summons our senses when things are out of “the ordinary.” It is God’s “early warning system” that notifies us that something unusual or unique is about to happen. Fear 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 his power, cried out in fear when he was forced to cross a bridge. Those, we might say, are abnormal fears.

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 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 from the past faithfulness of God that He always 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. May we recognize Your faithfulness in the past as a fact that You are with us now! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: When I am afraid I will trust in You – In my God, whose Word I praise. Psalm 56:3-4a

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