Focal Passage: Psalm 91:1-6, 9-16
If you haven’t been tempted to fear something this year, you haven’t been paying attention. There have always been scary things in the world. But this year tops most years for the majority of us when it comes to fear. There are some fears that are healthy and keep us from making dangerous decisions or approaching dangerous scenarios. But there is some fear that can cripple us and keep us from moving forward at all. The right fear of God, however, eclipses every other fear. Walking in the fear of the Lord means that we don’t walk in fear of anything else.
Psalm 91 teaches us how to respond when we are afraid. When we are afraid, we can trust in God’s power. His power transcends any force that seeks to harm us. He is stronger than any threat of death, disease or doom. While we should be wise, we should not bend to the type of fear that cripples us into apathy or hiding. When we face real dangers, we can trust that we have a real God whose strength is unmatched from age to age.
When we encounter fear, we can trust God’s protection. He is able to keep us safe from harm. We know that this truth does not give us license to practice destructive behavior. But we do find the courage to approach our lives with wisdom and courage, knowing that God has His protective eye on us.
God gives us wisdom to be cautious and make healthy decisions. But crippling fear is not from God. He is not unfamiliar with the troubles and dangers of this life. This is why He promised His presence and His deliverance to us. In His perfect love and care, God comforts and assists us when we are threatened with peril. Tell God your fears and walk with Him in is protection and power.