“What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.” Psalm 56:3
I’m afraid of a lot of things. At the top of my list is spiders, but the list is long after them. Here are some of the things of which I am fearful.
- late night phone calls that only mean one thing
- fire ants (allergic to these monsters!)
- creaks and groans from my house when I am alone
- medical test results (especially the cancer-related ones)
- hurting someone’s feelings with my words (happens way too often)
- my pride
If I trust God, He will take care of them all. I often forget that, and when I do, that’s when fear creeps in. And when fear replaces trust, it’s… well, it’s pretty scary. The feeling of being alone with overwhelming fears is terrifying!
So what do I do? I go to the Bible. Why? Because it speaks truth to me. In addtion to Psalm 56:3, there are several other verses that I cling to in times of fear. Jesus said, “…I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” (Matthew 28:20) When I remember that God is with me in that very moment, the fear lessens. A sense of peace begins to calm my trembling heart when I trust God and take Him at His word. Isaiah 43:1-2 states, “… Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.”
Isaiah 41:13 tells me, “For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.” I remember as a little girl holding on to my father’s hand. His large fingers would tightly curl around mine, and I would be safe and protected. Nothing could harm me when my dad was with me! That’s how it is with my heavenly Father! He is holding on to my hand always, and He promises to help me in every situation! I am safe in His hands and nothing can pluck me out! (John 10:29)
Fear can be crippling, but if I remember that God is always with me, helping and protecting me, I can face my fears. It’s not always easy to overcome them, but it is possible. The Bible reminds me, “For with God nothing shall be impossible.” (Luke 1:37) and that “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13)
In the dark of the midnight have I oft hid my face
While the storm howls above me, and there’s no hiding place
‘Mid the crash of the thunder, Precious Lord, hear my cry
Keep me safe till the storm passes by
Till the storm passes over, till the thunder sounds no more
Till the clouds roll forever from the sky
Hold me fast, let me stand in the hollow of Thy hand
Keep me safe till the storm passes by
(from “Till the Storm Passes By” by Mosie Lister)
“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” Joshua 1:9
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If I am following after Jesus and not running ahead of Him, I never will run into my fears alone.