FROM FEAR TO FAITH
“Mine enemies would daily swallow me up: for they be many that fight against me, O thou most High. What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.” Psalm 56:2-4
David knew what it was to be overwhelmed by his circumstances. He was daily oppressed by his enemies. Though he was a courageous soldier and a genuine servant of God, he, like us, had to deal with occasional times of fear. The disciples were often pictured as being afraid.
Fear is very damaging and can be disabling. Fear can prevent God’s children from serving Him. Fear can rob us of our peace. But, there is something else that fear can do. Fear can motivate us to trust in the Lord. David said, “What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.” Fear can actually be a catalyst that causes us to trust the Lord in our circumstances. In that way, rather than being our enemy, fear can serve to help us draw closer to the Lord and secure that place of confidence that is only found in Him.
Do you know what it is like to be overwhelmed by your circumstances? Many things can cause us to be afraid. Maybe serious financial difficulties, dreaded news about a physical condition, intense spiritual warfare, occupational uncertainty, or any number of other possible scenarios can leave us fearful. What are we to do with our fears? Sometimes momentary fears will quickly dissipate and are gone as soon as they appeared. However, often this is not the case. As a matter of fact, fear may actually lead to more fear. Fear has a way of multiplying. The more you dwell on the cause of your fear, the more afraid you can become. You can probably remember times when your imagination got the best of you. You were convinced the absolute worst was going to happen, and were thus gripped with fear. Then, when all was said and done, you realized that your fears were not substantiated.
If we do not conquer our fears, they can cause us to miss out on God’s purpose and peace. David gives us a great piece of advice in the Scripture. The best thing to do when fear strikes at your heart is to turn to the Lord, trusting Him to protect you and work in your circumstances. We are not alone in our difficulties and adversities. Jesus is with us. Let fear serve as a reminder of how much we need the Lord, and as a motivation to immediately and completely trust Him.