“CONQUERING FEAR”
O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; 2). To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in thy sanctuary. 3). Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. 4). Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift my hands in thy name. 5). My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips: 6). WhenI remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches. 7). Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice. 8). My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me. 9). But those that seek my soul, to destroy it, shall go into the lower parts of the earth. 10). They shall fall by the sword: they shall be a portion for foxes. 11). But the king shall rejoice in God; everyone that sweareth by him shall glory: but the mouth of them that speak lies shall be stopped.
-PSALMS 63
Every one of us will experience moments of apprehension, and denial or trying to hide from it will do no good. When fear arises, ask yourself the following questions: Where does it come from? (You know it isn’t from God.) Has God ever failed me in the past? Does He promise to meet all of my needs? Does He keep His promises?
If we read the Bible, we’ll find countless stories of God’s faithfulness. For example, Paul lived through hardship, persecution, pain, and all kinds of terrible circumstances. The apostle wrote these well-known words: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). This testifies to the fact that for those who trust in Him, God turns every difficulty, loss, and separation into something good.
From Abraham to Isaiah to David to Job to Jonah to Paul to John, we see God’s constant love and care for His people. His Word is a lamp that will give us clear guidance when circumstances are bleak. It offers the best direction we will ever find. When we meditate upon it, pray over it, grapple with it, and incorporate it into our lives, His light chases away the darkness. The psalms, in particular, are helpful in dealing with fear.
God, the sovereign ruler of this universe, is in control of your life. Don’t make the mistake of thinking He isn’t, simply because He does not operate according to your will and schedule. If you read your Bible and meditate on it, you will find genuine strength in His promises.
-IBC