God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though ______ …
” Psalm 46:10
How would you fill in the blank for Psalm 46:10 as it appears above? Maybe you’re in a fearful place today. This week let’s talk about some of our fears and discover God’s way to overcome them.
Fear in Separation
“O clap your hands, all peoples; Shout to God with the voice of joy. For the LORD Most High is to be feared, A great King over all the earth … God is the King of all the earth … God reigns over the nations, God sits on His holy throne.”
Psalm 47:1-2, 7-8
It was the Fourth of July: Feeling muggy and crowded, we walked toward the ocean for the fireworks display. My family and I were camping at Myrtle Beach State Park, and we eagerly anticipated the light show. Our children were little at the time—aged nine and younger.
In their excitement, two of our sons ran ahead. Suddenly we were separated. Just. like. that. I looked all around—the sea in front of me and a sea of people everywhere else.
FEAR. It gripped me without mercy. “Where are they? Where do we look? Are they in the ocean … did someone snatch them?” Questions rapidly tumbled in my mind as panic ascended and darkness descended.
Yet it was in the waning light that our eldest son reminded us of the glow stick carried by one of our missing sons. Praise the Lord – that is how we found them, and I have never known such relief! God cared for our family and reunited us in a way I’ll never forget.
Fear can be absolutely overwhelming. Paralyzing. Sometimes we awaken with it in the black of night, while other times it smacks us in the face out of the blue. Or it haunts us in the recesses of our mind and lingers for long periods … sometimes years.
Isn’t it incredibly comforting to know that because of God, we don’t have to be afraid?
He is our refuge … the One who shelters and protects us.
He is our strength … the One who stands by us and enables us to take another step forward.
He is a very present help … the One who stays with us and freely gives the assistance we need.
God is in control. He reigns. He knows what we face and He uses every experience to make us more like His Son, Jesus Christ.
When the darkness of fear threatens to overtake us, the light of Christ and His love for us shines all the brighter. He will show us the way … He IS the way. Nothing can ever separate us from God’s love.
Emily