Fear Is Often a Fake
In the earlier years of development citizens of the then small town of Marietta were alerted to the likelihood of an attack by a band of hostile Indians. With the approach of dark the citizens gathered in the sturdy town hall, feeling it would be a safe haven. Harbingers of fear brought distressing news. During the long night every noise frightened the fearful defenders. The hours passed slowly and fear grew even stronger as dawn was soon to end the sleepless night. At the crack of day scouts were sent out to assess the situation. They found there had not been nor was there an Indian within half a mile. Fear had needlessly held the people captive.
That is an illustrative graphic of what inordinate fear does to us. It holds our emotions captive.
As the citizens sought a refuge so we all need one and find it in the Lord.
“I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, and in Him I will put my trust.” (Psalm 91: 2)
Growing up our daughters were inquisitive. When we would speak of some person of note they would not ask if I knew them, but “Does he know you?” It was as though I took on importance by the person knowing me. I am renewed daily by knowing God. I am twice blessed by Him knowing me. We take on a new vitality by virtue of being known by Him. It is not merely that He knows about us, like we know about the ocean. Rather, He is acquainted with us. He who knows our down sittings and our uprising said, “Fear not.”
As a child at a stage it frightened me when told, “God sees you,” as a threat. Then I grew to know that was not only good, it was wonderful. That means He knows when I was in need of help. I grew to know…
“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust…” (Psalm 18: 2)
He is a caring and involved God. He knows our person, problems, perplexities, pressures, and predicaments. Knowing all of this, the God of all grace says, “Fear not.”
The Lord does not immune us from problems or exempt us from sorrow. He does promise to be with us amid them.
The only one-of-a-kind Son, Jesus, gave us an illustration on His wisdom in imparting His gifts: “…what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent?” (Matthew 7: 9, 10) If an earthly father is so loving and caring how much more is our Heavenly Father? That should motivate us to trust and fear not. We can say, “He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory; The rock of my strength, And my refuge, is in God. Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.” (Psalm 62: 6 – 8)