June 8. 2016

Give Fear To God

So 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. Have you ever felt it deep in your soul? Do you know what it’s like to lie awake at night, worried about things that might come? Have you sat alone in a hospital waiting room, terrified, begging God for help?

The Bible tells us 365 times not to fear. I’ve never counted the words myself but I trust all those who have. One verse for each day of the year. God knew we would have trouble with fear.

It is a sin. How many times have I told myself that? Fear reveals a lack of faith in God’s ability or willingness to handle a situation. Fear means we don’t trust Him to look after us. Fear means we’re worried about things we can’t control rather that trusting to Him whatever happens.

I wish I had a magic wand to make fear disappear. Wouldn’t we all like that? Because if you’ve lived long enough, you know that terrifying grip that can wreck your peace faster than anything.

I’ve learned a great deal about taking it to God. There’s no point in trying to hide it. He knows anyway. I share with Him my concerns and try to leave it at His throne. I say try because my gut instinct is to take it back. Again and again I battle. Again and again I war within myself.

The thing about fear is that it challenges us to live in the moment. I can’t predict what might happen tomorrow. I can’t. No amount of planning will prepare me for what can happen. Anyone who has ever sat in a hospital emergency room while doctors, nurses and techs worked to save a loved ones’ life knows that plans aren’t really dependable.

It’s not that we should just kick back and do nothing. It’s important to save and work hard and to prepare as best we can. But it’s also important not to worry about what tomorrow might bring. Chances are all those imagined scenarios will never come to pass. And if they do? Well, we couldn’t stop them anyway.

I’ve learned a lot about trusting God. Ironically, as my distrust for others has grown so has my trust in God. He’s the One I’ve learned to hold on to.

I’m still fearful sometimes. I cry out in hurt and anger and my mind races with things that might happen. But I’ve learned to run to Him and ask Him to calm the storm raging inside of me.

I could never have predicted some of the things that have happened in my life. I could never have imagined the depth of betrayal and the lies that Satan aimed my way. But I learned a lot too. God is faithful to hold me close and protect me from whatever life flings my way.