Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. Psalm 56: 3, NKJV
Dear Lord, please help us to know that all our fears will cease to be if we bring them to, and leave them with, You. Amen
Yesterday we looked at this problem from a different angle. Because our Christian experience is a journey, and we are not all at the same place, it is good for us to consider different ways of dealing with similar situations in our Christian walk. Some have reached the place where they can “trust and not be afraid.” Others are at the place described in our promise for today, that “Whenever [we are] afraid [we can] trust in You.” If you are in any way like me, you will find hope in both situations!
It is believed that this Psalm was written by king David when he was captured by the Philistines in Gath (1 Samuel 21: 10-15). This was a very difficult time in the life of David. He was being pursued by king Saul and his army (1 Samuel 19: 11-20: 33). It is even more difficult when we do not know why we are being persecuted (20: 1).
Where do you go when the king himself has a “Wanted Dead or Alive,” edict over your head? Who do you turn to, when, at any moment, the person at your right hand could suddenly turn on you and hand you over to the king? Who can save you when you lay down at night and have to keep one eye open, and a sword in your hand? It is at these moments, that fear will seize you, and paralyze you! At these times, when you are afraid, you can trust in God!
It is one thing to feel fearful. It is quite another thing to be overcome by fear. We often believe that because we are Christians we should never experience fear. I trust, that by God’s grace, we will all get there by and by. But for now, I do believe it is quite unfair for us to believe that if a Christian becomes fearful, he or she is not a true Christian. Much like stress, it is not the fear in itself that can do us harm, but our reaction to it. If it paralyzes us and leaves us helpless then we have a problem.
Do you remember the very first devotion on the topic of fear, (December 4th, 2007 – No Need To Fear)? Remember that we said it was the roar of the lion that left its prey petrified, and therefore all the lion had to do was simply claim its victim. But, if our fear moves us to trust in God, and seek His help then we are on the right track. If your fear inspires you to positive action, then it is being channelled adequately.
The next time you experience a fearful situation remember: you do not have to be petrified by your fear; nor do you have to feel guilty about your fear. You can simply choose to trust in God! Whether you apply it before fear overpowers you, or after fear has already set in, your trust in God, is the most effective antidote to fear.