There Is An Antidote To Fear

     Reality is most every American adult (also, the majority of our teens and too many of our tweens) are unsettled by both the closeness of city crime and the far reach of Eastern European countries at war.   While it is understandable that mankind fears these physical threats, as children of God we are called to, are able to and must rest confidently in God’s promise – “…I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palm of My hands…”  Isaiah 49: 15-16 (NIV)

     Do you remember when as a child you faced attack by a peer?   Bet you turned the battle over to the strongest person you knew – your daddy.   You knew he’d right all wrongs and be your safeguard, didn’t you?   I certainly did.    Well, God in heaven, also, longs to be our “Father Shelter” defending and protecting us from every one of our fears, enemies and hostilities.   “So do not fear, for I am with you; and do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”  Isaiah 41: 10 (NIV)

     Have you felt yourself trembling when you hear about devastating weapons striking – and lurking to be unleashed upon – innocent citizens who are no different than you, me and ours?   I have.   How, you wonder, can one not be paralyzed in fright?   Our panic screams can best be silenced by listening to God’s Word, the Bible.   “Now I know: The Lord gives victory to His anointed.   He answers him from His heavenly sanctuary with the victorious power of His right hand.  Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.   They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm.”  Psalm 20: 6-8 (NIV)

     We trust God; but, yes, in today’s tumultuous world we waver and quiver over the atrocities taking place on our planet, Earth.   They seem too close to home not to feel the reverberations.   We can’t help but glare at their reality.   This leaves us shell shocked.   Sadly, our trust is frozen and our sight locked onto, and into, trepidation.   However, God calls His children, you and me included, to a different focus.   “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You.  Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord Himself, is the rock eternal.”  Isaiah 26 3-4 (NIV)

     Bottom line, and top priority, is “When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.  In God, whose word I praise – in God I trust and am not afraid.”  Psalm 56:3-4 (NIV)