Dealing with Fear

“God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change
and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea;
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains quake at its swelling pride.”
Psalm 46:1-3

Fear seems to be one of the first abnormal symptoms that man experienced following the fall from perfect union and fellowship with God. “Then the LORD God called to the man, and said to him, ‘Where are you?’ He said, ‘I heard the sound of You in the garden, and I was afraid...’” (Genesis 3:9-10).

Since then every heart has known the panic and trembling that fear brings. Fear of failure. Fear of the future. Fear of today. We live in fearful times. The only antidote for fear is trust. David, who knew the depth of fear as few, came to this conclusion as he was seized by the Philistines: “When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You.” (Psalm 56:3).

David did not deny his fear. He did not rationalize it or try to out-man it. He admitted his fear and then affirmed his trust in the Lord.

Elizabeth Cheney wrote this succinct and powerful poem:
“First came singing into my room
And other guests took flight.
Grief, anxiety, fear, and gloom
Sped out into the night.”

Identify the source of your fear. Bring it before God. Then confidently assert His ability to handle your fears and His willingness to replace your fears with His courage and peace.

“When we fail to trust God we doubt his sovereignty and question His goodness.” -Jerry Bridges