Fear

As I was driving home from church on Sunday I heard a preaching teaching on the end times.  Now, I am not that into worrying over what will happen, when it will happen.....I only know Jesus comes back, God wins, I live happily ever after with Him...those things I am sure of.  But listening to this gentleman was very disturbing to me.  He was describing events in the Middle East that are actually taking place right now, and how all the pieces are in place for the possible start of World War Three....If that's not enough, we are constantly bombarded with negative, frightening headlines, dour stories of hurt and hatred ruling the planet and the hearts of so many people on it.   As I said, I am not usually one to fall into this kind of anxiety, but his time a spirit of fear came over me....not for myself, but for my animals, and the cats I help care for at the shelter.  "What if the world economy collapses?  What if dirty bombs start dropping on our shores?  What will happen to all this innocent creatures we love so much?"   God created in me a heart for His creatures, and I love that He did so, but I feared for them.

I know this fear is not from Him.  I am to walk by faith.  It dispels fear and worry.  So the next day God sent the perfect (however does He do this every time?!?!?) reading in my "Jesus Calling" devotional.  "The media are increasingly devoted to fear-inducing subject matter: terrorism, serial killers, enviromental catastrophes.  If you focus on such dangers and forget that I am your Refuge in all circumstances, you will become increasingly fearful."  Wow, was that right on target?  The reading was accompanied by two wonderfully comforting verses of Scripture.  And they are healing balm to those whose hearts are plagued by fear.  A reminder for our spirits of who is in control and who loves us with an everlasting love.

Psalm 46:1-3  God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.   So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea.   Let the oceans roar and foam.   Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! 

Psalm 89:1-18  

1 I will sing of the Lord’s unfailing love forever!
    Young and old will hear of your faithfulness.
2 Your unfailing love will last forever.
    Your faithfulness is as enduring as the heavens.
3 The Lord said, “I have made a covenant with David, my chosen servant.
    I have sworn this oath to him:
4 ‘I will establish your descendants as kings forever;
    they will sit on your throne from now until eternity.’” Interlude
5 All heaven will praise your great wonders, Lord;
    myriads of angels will praise you for your faithfulness.
6 For who in all of heaven can compare with the Lord?
    What mightiest angel is anything like the Lord?
7 The highest angelic powers stand in awe of God.
    He is far more awesome than all who surround his throne.
8 O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies!
    Where is there anyone as mighty as you, O Lord?
    You are entirely faithful.
9 You rule the oceans.
    You subdue their storm-tossed waves.
10 You crushed the great sea monster.[b]
    You scattered your enemies with your mighty arm.
11 The heavens are yours, and the earth is yours;
    everything in the world is yours—you created it all.
12 You created north and south.
    Mount Tabor and Mount Hermon praise your name.
13 Powerful is your arm!
    Strong is your hand!
    Your right hand is lifted high in glorious strength.
14 Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne.
    Unfailing love and truth walk before you as attendants.
15 Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship,
    for they will walk in the light of your presence, Lord.
16 They rejoice all day long in your wonderful reputation.
    They exult in your righteousness.
17 You are their glorious strength.
    It pleases you to make us strong.
18 Yes, our protection comes from the Lord,
    and he, the Holy One of Israel, has given us our king.

So many times in Scripture You tell us not to fear, You remind us that You will never leave nor forsake us, that You are our strong tower, our provided, our Savior.  I know also Lord that You are aware of the cares of our hearts. You know what is important to us.  Thank You Lord for the comfort You provide in Your Word and by Your presence.  Help us not to fear, but to look to You in faith. You are mighty, and awesome in power, ruler over all, tender as a mother with her child in your love for us.  Thank You for allaying my fears.