READING: Psalms 54-56, Romans 3
“I will not fear.”
Psalm 56:4
Most of us know that we should not be afraid as believers. Our trust in God should be so strong that fear is erased, but we nevertheless still struggle with that emotion. So many things can bring that fear to the surface – relationship issues, health concerns, vocational worries, wayward children, financial woes. Even things like violent storms and worldwide terrorism sometimes frighten us. Faith then becomes a wrestling match despite our understanding that crippling fear comes from the enemy.
The psalmist, too, knew the reality of fear. He faced real enemies from without, but he also dealt with enemies from within his own camp; even “friends” turned on him. His emotions were so deep – “My heart shudders within me; terrors of death sweep over me. Fear and trembling grip me; horror has overwhelmed me” (Psa. 55:4-5) – that he simply wanted to flee to the wilderness to find rest. Still he knew, though, that running from God was not the answer. He instead could carry his fears to God, cry out to Him, and trust that “He will never allow the righteous to be shaken” (Psa. 55:22). Listen, then, to the psalmist’s own conclusions and actions:
- “But I call to God, and the Lord will save me.” (Psa. 55:16)
- “When I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (Psa. 56:3-4)
- “This I know: God is for me. In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (Psa. 56:9-11)
It’s that latter text that gives me hope and peace today. “This I know: God is for me.” He who records every tear that falls from my eyes is on my side. When I remember these truths, I have no reason to fear, regardless of what I face.
In Him I will put my trust.
ACTION STEPS:
- Confess your fears to God.
- No matter what you face today, quote and trust the Word: “This I know: God is for me.”
PRAYER: “God, thank You for being on my side. Help me to remember that truth today.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Psalms 57-59, Romans 4