Assurance for the Fearful

We all have innate fears. From the time Adam said to God that he was afraid, fearfulness has often dominated our lives. If responding to a poll, many would admit to having fears, real or imagined. We are fearful when a perceived threat seems beyond our control. We fear people, the dark, failure, being alone, public speaking, or even the smallest animals. Once, after torrential rains, I stepped outside to place the garbage into our bin. As I lifted the lid, I sensed a movement and quickly stepped back.

There, to my horror, I saw a snake. It was about four feet (1.2 meters) long and coiled around the rim of the bin. The fear that gripped me is indescribable. In my panic, I screamed, “A snake!” Fortunately, my neighbor, who was outside at the time, came running with a machete and killed it.

Later that evening, when I related the experience to my husband, he assured me that perhaps the poor, harmless snake was more afraid of me than I was of it. But the threat of being bitten by a snake, especially knowing its dangerous potential, fueled my fear and overwhelmed me. I had felt helpless.

That is what fear does. It can make us feel powerless, afraid, anxious, and worried about the unknown. But God has wonderful promises that are a source of comfort, confidence, and hope when we are faced with fear.

Here are several from Psalm 91:1–5: He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. … “My God, in Him I will trust.” Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the perilous pestilence. He shall cover you with His feathers. … You shall not be afraid (NKJV).

Are you fearful about something? Do not hesitate to claim God’s many promises. Heavenly Father, we thank You for the assurance that if we are afraid, we can put our trust in You.

Annette L. Vaughan