The Black Hole of Fear
Do not fear for I am with you;
Do not be dismayed for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
-- Isaiah 41:10
Fear is like a black hole, swirling and pulling me deeper into its darkness. It's what happens when I focus on an unclear future rather than the One who holds it securely in His hand. Do you know what I mean?
This Scripture verse is one that I repeat over and over, like a mantra echoing in my mind. It reminds me that my God is bigger than anything I face. My God has good plans for me. My God will protect me from the unknown forces that would harm me.
Life can be scary, can't it? A co-worker on his lunch break was injured in a motorcycle accident. Stress sent another friend to the hospital. Someone else faces a possible job loss. Economic troubles hound many.
Fear has always been among us. Think about the many times God's Word tells us not to fear. Why? Because God is with us. He never abandons His children. And He never allows us to be dealt more than we can handle -- with His strength. Not our own. I think sometimes that's why we get so scared. We secretly believe that in that moment of total need God won't show up, that He'll throw us to the wolves, that we'll truly be alone.
So I fill my mind with Scripture that reminds me of His promises. When the panic rises up in me, dark and menacing, I remember what He has said. I cling to the knowledge that I belong to God. I have no need to fear because God takes care of His own.
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