Friday, November 27, 2009

"Portents of Fear Or Prospects of Grace?"

"I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about... The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe" (Psalm 3:6; Proverbs 29:25).

David seemingly had much to fear from men as Saul and his minions continually sought to kill him. He determined, however, to not be afraid because he realized that allowing fear to rule his heart would be a far more destructive trap than anything his earthly enemies could devise.

"What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee" (Psalm 56:3). David understood that fear is countered by faith because fear is the very opposite of faith. When being afraid controls our inner sensibilities, words, actions, and reactions, we are disbelieving the constant Biblical refrain of security promised to the trusting sons and daughters of God in Christ.
"Safety is of the Lord" (Proverbs 21:31).

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea" (Psalm 46:1-2).

"In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God" (Psalm 62:7).

" And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28).

"We have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will" (Ephesians 1:11).

We will be frequently tempted to fear, of course, and it is not sin to feel initial feelings of insecurity when challenging things happen to us, or prospects of such things present themselves to us. We must understand, however, that our internal response to difficult circumstances, situations, conditions, and subsequent feelings of trepidation is a far greater issue than whatever the difficulties may involve outwardly. The presence and peace of God is available to us as "a very present help... though the earth be removed." In other words, even if the world itself were snatched from beneath our feet, there would be no justifiable reason for fear because the security of our hearts is based on one thing and one thing only, namely, the presence of God, the "very" presence of God. Our calling is to trust Him, and to "Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, He it is that doth go with thee; He will not fail thee, nor forsake thee" (Deuteronomy 31:6).

Uncertain times open a door wherein we may enter more deeply into the heart of the Father who has promised, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" (Hebrews 13:5). Just outside the entrance of that door, however, will not only be such prospects of grace, but also troubling portents and even present realities of fearful things. The choice is ours. We will either join David, "What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee." Or we will not, "What time I am afraid, I will not trust in Thee." The challenge and the opportunity await us, and let us remember the blessed truth that graces every page, chapter, verse, word, and letter of the Word of God: no one has ever trusted in the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ and been disappointed for doing so. And no one ever will.

"God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."
(II Timothy 1:7)

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