I Will Not Fear

We will not fear though the earth shakes and the mountains slip into the heart of the sea.

Psalm 46:2

This Scripture spoke to me especially this week. As I think of all that is going on in the world, fear is a natural reaction to so much of what is happening all around us. The global pandemic has changed our world.  The loss of so many lives, serious health issues, jobs lost, financial insecurity, businesses closed forever. And daily news reports fires, floods, earthquakes, famine, drought, wars…

Personally, I am experiencing a situation that initially caused a “mountain” of fear.  As I deal with it, I am so aware that it is not a one-time battle to overcome fear.  And yet God’s Word tells us “Do not fear…”  We know from 1 Peter 5:7 that we have an “enemy who prowls about like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour.” Our enemy, Satan, will attempt to get us caught up in fear of our circumstances, or what might happen in the future.  But we have a choice – we can listen to the enemy and give in to fear, or choose to hear God’s words of truth and trust Him.  No matter what!

As I read through the Psalms this summer, I am making a list of what they teach me about God.  Over and over, I read of God’s love and faithfulness that endures forever. He sees everything that is going on, and He hears when we cry out to Him.  I’m encouraged by so many verses which tell us God is our shield, our refuge, our deliverer, our protector, our rock, our fortress. 

As followers of Jesus, we can claim the promises in His Word. There are many more, but I have chosen just a few that greatly encourage me. When you are tempted to fear, read these Scriptures and take courage. 

Isaiah 41:10

Fear not for I am with you. Do not be afraid for I am your God.  I will strengthen you; I will also help you; I will also uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Philippians 4:6-7

Be anxious for nothing, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 1:7

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

Psalm 56:3

When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.

Psalm 23:4

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.

Joshua 1:9

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

Psalm 27:5

In the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle.  He will lift me up on a rock.

We will all go through circumstances that can cause us to fear. Trusting God is the solution to fear.  But we have to know who God is and what He has promised in His Word.  And we have to claim His promises and choose to believe.  We may have to make that choice many times a day when fear threatens.  We can stand firm in Him and not be shaken. 

PERSONAL REFLECTION

What “mountains” are you personally experiencing now that could cause you to fear?

Fill in the blank for yourself: Even if _____________________, I will not fear. I will choose to trust my God.

Remember that we have an enemy who is out to destroy us. Fear is one of his tactics.  Which of these Scriptures will you choose to focus on when you are tempted to fear? Consider printing them out and keeping them in a place where you can refer to them often.

Maybe you are in a season of life where all is well with you.  Thank God for that!  There may be family or friends that you could share these verses with to encourage them.

I’ve copied these words from Lauren Daigle’s song “I Will Trust.”  You can go to YouTube and listen to her sing it.  It is such an encouragement to trust God when we are facing a mountain of fear.

  I Will Trust

… Letting go of every single dream
I lay each one down at Your feet
Every moment of my wandering
Never changes what You see
I’ve tried to win this war, I confess
My hands are weary, I need Your rest
Mighty warrior, King of the fight
No matter what I face, You’re by my side

… When You don’t move the mountains
I’m needing You to move
When You don’t part the waters
I wish I could walk through
When You don’t give the answers
As I cry out to You
I will trust, I will trust
I will trust in You

… Truth is, You know what tomorrow brings
There’s not a day ahead You have not seen
So in all things be my life and breath
I want what You want, Lord, and nothing less

… When You don’t move the mountains
I’m needing You to move
When You don’t part the waters
I wish I could walk through
When You don’t give the answers
As I cry out to You
I will trust, I will trust
I will trust in You
I will trust in You

… You are my strength and comfort
You are my steady hand
You are my firm foundation
The rock on which I stand
Your ways are always higher
Your plans are always good
There’s not a place where I’ll go
You’ve not already stood

… When You don’t move the mountains
I’m needing You to move
When You don’t part the waters
I wish I could walk through
When You don’t give the answers
As I cry out to You
I will trust, I will trust
I will trust in You
I will trust in You
I will trust in You
I will trust in You