THE SIMPLE (AND SINGULAR) REMEDY FOR FEAR

July 26, 2023

Everybody has fears. We fear failure, disrespect, and discomfort. We are physically afraid of anything that might touch our well-being. Financial fears nip at our heels. There are people and relationships that frighten us. Often we are so afraid of men’s opinions that we overcompensate and let them determine how we will respond—a man-fearing spirit. We fear loss and ultimately death. You name it, we fear it.

Fear is the antithesis of faith, of course. Therefore, faith is the remedy.

David had many legitimate reasons to be afraid. Somewhere he learned the secret to overcome fear and he wrote about it in Psalm 56.

When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You. In God, whose word I praise, in God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid. What can mere man do to me? (Psalm 56:3-4)

He did not say, "if" but "when," assuming that he would face fear. His remedy was clear: 

• "I" … it was a step he was personally responsible for
• "will" … it was a conscious choice that was made possible by God's grace and faithfulness.
• "put my trust" … He had to literally place his faith in something or someone. Where would he deposit it?
• "in YOU" … He chose to deposit his trust in the one place that would make a difference. He trusted God to take care of Him, to provide for him. He laid the issue in God’s hands, believing that God was capable.

Why was this object of his faith so effective?

"What can mere man do to me?" David stated in faith. When faith is placed in God, there is an ultimate resource. God is sovereign and oversees all. Everything we could fear is in His hands and ultimately under His control. When we trust Him, we need fear nothing in heaven or earth. He’s always bigger.

What are you afraid of? "In the day" (which is literally what these words mean) that you are afraid, turn to God and place your trust there. He will never fail you and will overcome your deepest fears.

 

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