An Unusual Cure for the Fears We Have
The Fears We Have
Fear has a way of paralyzing or inhibiting us. Some fears are based on actual events and seem reasonable, like fear of earthquakes, tornadoes, or perhaps a terrorist attack.
Fear related to people inhibits us. This can take many forms. Some people are afraid to be in a large crowd or speak in front of a crowd. We all have a fear of rejection in certain situations.
The question we all face is how to handle our fears. What is the best way to cope with or respond to the fears we encounter? Do our fears control us, or are we able to rise above them?
King David learned to handle the various fears he faced in his life. He realized the difference between a fear that causes dread and anxiety and fear born out of respect.
The latter kind of fear enabled him to cope with the other fears.
Scripture
The LORD is my light and my salvation.
Who is there to fear?
The LORD is my life’s fortress.
Who is there to be afraid of?
I have asked one thing from the LORD.
This I will seek:
to remain in the LORD’s house all the days of my life
in order to gaze at the LORD’s beauty
and to search for an answer in his temple.
He hides me in his shelter when there is trouble.
He keeps me hidden in his tent.
He sets me high on a rock.
Hear, O LORD, when I cry aloud.
Have pity on me, and answer me.
When you said,
“Seek my face,”
my heart said to you,
“O LORD, I will seek your face.”
Do not hide your face from me.
Do not angrily turn me away.
You have been my help.
Do not leave me!
Wait with hope for the LORD.
Be strong, and let your heart be courageous.
Yes, wait with hope for the LORD.
Psalm 27:1, 4-5, 7-9, 14
Key phrase: The Lord is my light and my salvation. Who is there to fear?
Digging Deeper
Review the Scriptures above as you answer the following questions:
- What is the confidence David expresses in respect to his circumstances?
- What or who is this confidence based on? Why do you think David has this confidence?
- What is the one thing David asked of the Lord? Why does he seek this?
Reflection
Throughout his psalms, we see David’s confidence in the Lord. This is the bedrock of his faith, not the Law or religious practices, but his very personal relationship with God. God honored this in David’s life.
What was the secret to David’s confidence in the Lord? He knew God was greater than any enemy, far greater. David feared the Lord more than anyone or anything. It wasn’t a fear of dread that causes anxiety, but one of respect, awe, and wonder. He trusted in and worshipped the Lord.
This was David’s unusual cure for his fears. This is how David overcame his fears instead of them ruling over him. He feared the Lord.
Make It Personal
Read through the Scripture text again as you consider and answer these questions:
- Are there certain events or things you fear but have never experienced? If so, have you brought this to God in prayer and trusted Him with it?
- Have you developed a level of trust in God that frees you from fear of people and things?
- How have you learned to respect God for who He is—to fear Him in a biblical sense—so that your view of life and people is in the right perspective?
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