You Stand Secure

“Change the channel,” my husband commanded. I’d turned on the news to listen to the weather report, but instead violent images splashed across the screen as the reporter outlined a dark night of terror. My face was furrowed with anxiety as I sat paralyzed by the news.

We live in a fallen world where pain and trouble wreak havoc. I am beginning to understand why 3 million adults are diagnosed with Agoraphobia each year in the United States alone. With death and destruction happening in unexpected places like airports and soccer stadiums, part of me wants to hide under the bed permanently. Is it safe to travel anywhere in today’s world?

When fear seeks to swallow up my faith, I often turn to the Psalms. David was a warrior who did not lay his head on a soft pillow of comfort. He faced trouble every day of his life, but rather than wallow in constant despair, he cried out to his Omnipotent God. David believed that His Defender would envelop him with strength and protection in the midst of the onslaught. He didn’t look to the future with trepidation because he looked back and remembered how God had safely carried him on every step of his journey.

Matthew Henry captured the truth of this Psalm perfectly: “Those that with a holy reverence fear God need not with any amazement to be afraid of the power of hell or earth.” In the New Testament, we see how Paul faced severe persecution and affliction during his entire ministry, but he boldly moved forward trusting that God would go before him and deliver him. Paul did not allow fear to paralyze him from marching ahead victoriously and partnering with God to share the Good News.

With God’s help, we always have a firm ground to stand on in this unstable world. Psalms 112:17-18 says, “Surely the righteous will never be shaken, they will be remembered forever. They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.”

Come what may, you stand secure today in the circle of God’s protection.