When I Am Afraid

 

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. Psalm 56:3

 

There seems to be more and more to be afraid of lately.

In the last few days, I have run into someone in fear of:

1. an illness.
2. what others think about how she is parenting her children.
3. not having enough finances.
4. being thought of as an unbeliever by believers.
5. losing control of something she thought she had under control.
6. not doing enough for God.

At some point, most of these fears (or others) enter our lives. The big question is, “What we will do with them?”

In His Word, God tells us repeatedly not to fear. This tells us that he knows we will experience fear, but He wants us to remember Him and forget the fear.

“Remember” is another thing He repeatedly reminds us to do. If we put the two together (as He does in Deuteronomy 7:18; Nehemiah 4:14), we will find a remedy for our fears.

1. In illness, we can remember that He will not leave us nor forsake us. We do not suffer alone (Deuteronomy 31:6).
2. His Word teaches the principles of parenting. We need not fear what man thinks; we need to know what God teaches. (Proverbs 29:25; Deuteronomy 6:7-9; Psalm 103:17)
3. In issues of finances we must remember that God owns the cattle on a thousand hills (Psalm 50:10, Hebrews 13:5). When we are faithful, He provides what we need.
4. When accused of being an unbeliever, should we be afraid or indignant at the accusation, or take it as a warning to make our calling and election sure (2 Peter 1:10)? Examining our own hearts from time to time is a good thing…when we have the humility to ask “why” anyone would make such an accusation.
5. “Control” belongs to our sovereign God. Are we content (Philippians 4:11) when only God knows and understands what is happening to us? Are we willing to relinquish control and allow God to be Lord of our lives?
6. Is there a peace we can come to about “doing enough for God?” If we love God above all else, and love our neighbors as ourselves, we will know what God expects (Matthew 22:37-39). “Works” do not buy our way into heaven. Our faith is what God is looking for but scripture does indicate that our works reflect our faith (Ephesians 2:8-10).

Faith conquers fear. How many of us are fearful because we have more faith in man’s criticism than we do in God’s blessings? How does that fear limit our willingness to stand firm and boldly do the works God calls us to?

In the face of future fears, remember this: “He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.”  (Psalm 91:4) If we remember this, then, when we are afraid, we will trust in Him.