Fear is one of life’s most powerful factors, for good or bad. There is the standard “fight or flight” type of fear, such as when a sudden danger pops up out of nowhere. Then, there are phobias of all shapes and sizes. Such fears can literally shut down a person’s ability to handle things in a typical way. And, of course, there are the standard fears which also can really affect us, such as fear of failure or rejection or growing old or being without income or dying. Or SICKNESS.
Believers play their cards differently than do unbelievers when confronting their fears.
The Covid 19 pandemic has the entire world on its heels. It is a fearful adversary of both life and faith. The good news is that God is not silent (as we shall soon read)! Now, I don’t buy the idea that fear equals sin. (And I can reference all the Bible texts to which some turn to “prove” that.) Instead, I see fear as a normative reaction to the unpredictable and/or painful things of life. On the other hand, scripture is not silent about how the child of God can look at and deal with fear. I need help with it and God is not indifferent to that. Indeed, fear can become sin when it, rather than the Lord, is allowed to control a person. Unfortunately, I have been on that south side of it. Have you? Am I? Are you? I don’t want to be there now, nor do you, I am sure. (And some of us face more fears than the current pandemic. Fear is fear is fear. Will it handle me or will I handle it?) Read on.
How do you deal with fearful things? Believers play their cards differently when confronting their fears (and they must be confronted lest they control us). By His mercy, we have numerous lines of attack against this enemy of our peace and joy. What works best for you? For some, it is prayer. Others handle fearful times better through song. Still others find it most helpful to talk about the matter. What works best for me is listening to and thinking about scripture, the Bible. Hearing God’s voice just fits me best during dark or fearful times.
Lately I have been walking around in Psalm 27, listening through the wall of time/space to David as he speaks of dangerous adversaries arrayed against him. The great warrior-king had formidable enemies. Notice how this man of God has learned to look upon dreadful and dangerous times. See how fearful things have become subjected to the power and practice of God during David’s lifetime of faith. As you do so, notice the following things which may help:
David speaks of what he FEELS in his situation. So can I.
David speaks of what he KNOWS of God. So can I.
David speaks of what he REMEMBERS from experiences with God. So can I.
David speaks of what he WANTS from God. So can I.
David speaks of what he WANTS FOR ALL OTHERS WHO TRUST GOD in the midst of their fearful times. So can I.
Go ahead. I have posted the Psalm so you can read both it and yourself at this sitting. Transplant what David has to say about pandemic-times into your thoughts and feelings. After all, it was written for you, for times like these. Hopefully, Psalm 27 will help us all keep perspective during a pandemic. Be blessed.
1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When the wicked came against me To eat up my flesh, My enemies and foes, They stumbled and fell.
3 Though an army may encamp against me, My heart shall not fear; Though war should rise against me, In this I will be confident.
4 One thing I have desired of the Lord, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the Lord, And to inquire in His temple.
5 For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; In the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock.
6 And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me; Therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord.
7 Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice! Have mercy also upon me, and answer me.
8 When You said, “Seek My face,” My heart said to You, “Your face, Lord, I will seek.”
9 Do not hide Your face from me; Do not turn Your servant away in anger; You have been my help; Do not leave me nor forsake me, O God of my salvation.
10 When my father and my mother forsake me, Then the Lord will take care of me.
11 Teach me Your way, O Lord, And lead me in a smooth path, because of my enemies.
12 Do not deliver me to the will of my adversaries; For false witnesses have risen against me, And such as breathe out violence.
13 I would have lost heart, unless I had believed That I would see the goodness of the Lord In the land of the living.
14 Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!
robert
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