Transforming Fear into Faith

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. (Psalm 56:3-4, ESV)

There are 366 verses in the Bible that tell believers not to be afraid. Fear is a real, oppressive, and potentially overpowering state of mind and spirit. Once fear gets a hold of us it does not let go easily or all by itself.

How are fears transformed into faith in God? Some believe the opposite of fear is courage, but we don’t need courage to carry out the things that frighten us or get over the things that frighten us, have victory over the things that seem too big for us, the things, situations, and people that seem and sometimes are threatening. We can be shaking in our shoes, knees knocking together loud enough for someone three states away to hear them. Courage alone will not be sufficient to help or inspire us in times of fear.

Whenever David found himself in great peril or facing enemies of any kind, he reminded himself to turn to away from his enemies, to turn away from his immediate circumstances and even his own inabilities or limited power and put his trust entirely in God. When we put our trust in God, we whittle our opponents or situation down to size (which is always smaller than God). We take the wind out of their sails and see our situation and circumstances as they should be: impotent next to the power and working of God. As David concludes his psalm by saying, “In God I trust, what can flesh do to me?” We might say “In my God I trust what can any flesh, spirit or circumstances do to defeat or overcome me?” Let’s Pray,  

God, you are the MOST High, most powerful force there is. May we never cower or become overcome by fear, only trust in you with all our being. Amen

Reflective Questions and thoughts for self and soul-tending:

Is there anything (or anyone) that frightens you presently? If so, can you do exactly as David did? Put your complete trust in the power and might of God? How will you incorporate today’s message into your plan of self and soul-care?