Fear Less
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. -- Psalm 23:4 (NKJV)
A few weeks ago, I was gathered in the hallway at work with my fellow employees. We were tracking the path of a possible tornado. Tornado watches in Georgia are fairly common. However, this was the second time in two weeks that my phone alarm went off due to a tornado warning. The chorus of phones simultaneously blaring was enough to prod everyone into a hallway and away from the windows.
Years ago, I’d have been in a panic as our location was within the red cone identifying possible strike zones. Yet older and perhaps wiser, I simply waited for the emergency to pass. We can’t control the weather. However, I was confident in the God who can.
Psalm 23 reminds us that God is with us through all things. Even when we face dire circumstances, we are never alone. God steers us toward wise choices that overcome obstacles. He graciously provides comfort when the shadow of death, disappointment, and dread loom large.
What I’ve discovered is that our fears generally stem from things we cannot control. We tend to place too much confidence in what we can do and not enough in God. Most of the things we fear never manifest. Yet we often allow worry and trepidation to rob us of the peace we were created to abide in.
Fear is a feeling. It is also a spirit. But we do not have to succumb to it. Still, with everything going on in the world, it is increasingly easy to slide into the chaos and confusion rampant today. When we allow the what ifs in life to overtake us, we grant access to fear. We would do much better to invite faith—the expectation of positive outcomes despite challenging situations. We are taught that, “without faith, it is impossible to please God.” I’ve learned that our Lord often responds to me according to my level of expectancy in His willingness to provide solutions.
Whatever life brings our way, God is with us as emphasized in the above Scripture. Even unto death. This confidence brings with it the peace that allows us to navigate our trials courageously. When we focus on God’s faithfulness, we then remember that He reigns, and our faith is well placed.
As for the tornado, it fizzled out miles away. A few minutes later, we were all back to our daily tasks. Safe, secure, and grateful.
Choose to fear less.
Questions for Reflection:
1. In what areas of your life are there current opportunities to increase your faith and dispel fear? Ask God to reveal how you can manage your concerns.
2. Think of something you were fearful about that never manifested. How did God resolve that situation?
