Therefore, we will not fear

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea…” (Psalm 46:1)

In a day when there are so many wars, widespread famine, political turmoil, and social unrest, it is crucial to remember that these events have not taken God by surprise. He has a reason. And He is still in control.

Therefore . . .  we will not fear.

The thing is, fear is typically our natural default. Perhaps that is why the command to “fear not” is repeated over 300 times in the Bible. God knows our frailty, our proneness to worry about the future. So God reminds us over and over again not to surrender to fear. Because fear supposes God won’t get it right. Fear allows us to believe the enemy is more powerful than our God. And nothing could be further from the truth. For the power that is in us – Christ – is more powerful than any powers around us.

The psalm goes on to state, “Be still and know that I am God.” Therein lies the key to fear – be still and know. Anchor your mind in that rock-solid truth. Cast aside all those negative, worrisome thoughts and replace them with what you know about God and you’ll see the scale tip in God’s favor every time. He’s got you. He’s got the world and all of its problems. He’s got today and tomorrow and the next day.

So the next time you are inclined to give in to fear, don’t concentrate on the greatness of the foe. Instead, concentrate on the greatness of our God.

Prayer: Lord, you know my heart is prone to fear. In those moments, when fear threatens to overwhelm, remind me that you are stronger and greater than any trouble that comes my way. Help me be still and know – in my heart and in my mind – that you are in control. In your name I pray, Amen.

Thought: Sometimes God lets you be in a situation that only He can fix so that you can see that He is the One who fixes it. Rest. He’s got it. – Tony Evans