Grace, what are you afraid of? “Snakes, bugs, ants,

What do you do when you are afraid? “You don’t give up!”?

Thanks to our children’s ministry leaders for instilling that principle. When you are afraid, you don’t run away; you don’t give up. You face your fears.

It’s not just a four year old who faces fear; fear touches all of us.

We’ve ALL felt so many mixed emotions lately but FEAR is one that lurks in the shadow. I have found fear creeps in now and then during this season.

Most recently, I felt the grip of fear as I had to go to Massachusetts General-one of Boston’s COVID hotspots- to pick up medical supplies for my son, Noah.

I sat in the parking lot not wanting to get out of the car because I was afraid of exposure. The idea of getting sick and bringing this disease home paralyzed me. I was stuck.

I sensed God saying, ”Give me your fear”. A flood of scriptures came to mind. How many times do we read God, or an angel of God, or even Jesus saying, “Don’t be afraid.”

When Joshua was leading God’s children into the promised land he was struck by fear. God said to Joshua, “be courageous.” Fear was going to keep him from the land of promise that flowed with milk and honey.

When the disciples found themselves caught in the middle of the storm, Jesus was asleep; he woke and said, “don’t be afraid”. They would have missed out on the peace God offers.

One of my favorite Psalms is Psalm 27. The author is King David. David knew fear. He was the shepherd boy who killed a giant. He fought lions and bears. He stood against great armies.

David’s words of DEFIANCE against fear in Psalm 27 are powerful. He says, “Whom shall I fear?” I have the Lord! He is MY light and MY salvation, my stronghold.

David overcomes fear by LOOKING UP. He looks to God. He SHIFTS his attention from the worldly THREATS to eternal matters.

David says, MY light. MY salvation, MY stronghold. This is personal. He knows God not just intellectually but experientially. David knows, no matter what comes, God will be with him.

Like David we can BE CONFIDENT when we find ourselves stumbling in the dark of any situation.

David’s confidence can be OUR confidence. God is the source is our light and our salvation. We need not let fear overcome us or stop us from making plans, doing what we must do--even in times of trouble.

APPLICATION:

Here is what I know; If we allow it, fear can keep us from opportunities, realizing dreams, having that conversation, making those financial decisions, pursuing growth that needs to happen in a relationship or at work. Fear can keep us from the promises of God and life with God--a life of faith.

So how do you deal with fear?

First, name it. Don’t deny it, run away from it, dismiss it - identify your fears and place them at the feet of God. I’m fearful of the future, my job, health for my family; but my worry won’t make those troubles go away.

Second, remind yourself of God’s promise. We know in order to overcome something we have to replace it with something else. Focus on God’s eternal goodness instead of today’s woes.

Third, get moving, find ways to get the focus off yourself and contribute meaningfully to the world. Listen to God’s call as he shows you the path you are to follow. I don’t think we will ever have another time like this in history, so let’s use it to bring Him glory.

Finally, remember who you are and whose you are. Child of God,

You are a son, a daughter, you are loved, valued, set apart.

He knows your name, he counts the hairs on your head.

He’s the alpha and omega; He holds the world in the palm of His hand.

Fear is a part of being human. Yet, we can stand strong in the face of our fears as children of God. The Lord is the stronghold of your life. May he strengthen you with his love and guide you with his wisdom now and forever