Special Encouragement from God’s Word Day 4
Whom Shall I Fear?
By Major Beth Desplancke
Territorial Women’s Ministries Program Secretary
Read Psalm 27.
In Disney’s Monsters Inc., there is a city of monsters and they thrive on the screams of children. The fear these monsters provoke in children is the source of their power to run the city. Monsters go into the rooms of kids though the closet door, scare the children, and collect their screams. The funny thing is these “scary” monsters are actually afraid of these children. A small child, “Boo,” follows Sully – the best scarer of the monsters, through the closet into the monster world and these monsters are scared of this small child. It is humorous that a big scary monster would be fearful of a small child.
One person defined fear as False Evidence Appearing Real. Fear is universal – we all experience it. Fear is a force so great in our lives that it can become a totally controlling influence. Fear is a dark shadow that envelops us and ultimately imprisons us within ourselves. Max Lucado wrote, “Fear herds us into a prison and slams the door.”
Each of us have been a prisoner of fear at one time or another. In his book, Fearlesss, Max Lucado wrote: “Fear at its center is a perceived loss of control. When life spins wildly, we grab for a component of life we can manage: our diet, the tidiness of our house, the armrest of a plane.” But we can conquer fear by using the bright liberating light of the Lord who brings salvation.
The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1
David teaches us that when we know the Lord and trust Him, He helps us overcome the fears that can paralyze our lives. Two times in this psalm, David boldly declares he will be confident.
Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident. I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Verse 3, 13
We too can be confident and declare “Whom shall I fear” when we remember these three things:
1. God hides us.
For in the day of trouble He will keep me safe in His dwelling; He will hide me in the shelter of His tabernacle and set me high upon a rock. Verse 5
Perhaps David is remembering what God did for Moses (Read Exodus 33:18-23 for the whole story). Just as God protected Moses, David realizes that God does the same for all His children.
When I was a child and afraid of thunderstorms, I would hide in my closet. I felt safe and secure in the little closet – I couldn’t even stand up in it – but it was my safe haven. I felt snuggled by the clothes and embraced by the small space. When fearful circumstances come our way, we can be confident that God is hiding us.
2. God holds us.
Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me. Verse 10
I like how the New Living Translation puts verse 10: Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close.
When kids are hurt who do they run to? Mom. It is amazing how a little snuggle and hug and kiss on their boo-boo makes things feel better. There is healing power in touch, and in being held. Babies will die if they are not held; they may have food, clothing, shelter – but without human touch they fail to thrive.
We can face life confidently and without fear because God holds us close. Even if our mother and father abandon us, God will hold us close. He has His arms open and ready to embrace us, but we have to choose to enter His embrace.
3. God helps us.
Teach me your way, O Lord; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors. Verse 11
David had a teachable spirit; in other words, he was willing to ask God for help! God helps us by pointing the way in which we should go. This verse tells us that God is willing to lead us in a straight path. In verse 1, David mentions He is a light – He lights the way for us.
He is always ready to help; He has His arm outstretched to you and I; when we are fearful we just have to simply reach out and take His hand. God offers us His hand, to lead us down the right path, and many times we refuse to grab hold of His hand and let Him do the leading. He offers help, but you have to accept His help.
With God we no need to fear, Max Lucado wrote, “When Christ is great, our fears are not. As awe of Jesus expands, fear of life diminishes. A big God translates into big courage. A small view of God generates no courage.”
In Your Arms
I need not quake, tremble or fear
For You, Lord, are always near.
Hidden in the crook of Your arm,
I am concealed and protected from harm.
Held closely to You, in a loving embrace
Confidently, journeying forward, no matter what I face.
With you holding my hand,
I can take a stand.
With you pointing the way,
I go, because You are my light and stay.
With Your arms tightly around me,
I am able to be brave and wait patiently.
~ Beth Desplancke ~
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