How Can I Conquer my fears?
While visiting Hopewell Furnace in Pennsylvania, we encountered a gentleman
disguised as a union soldier. He explained that the Civil War took quite a toll
on the soldiers. Most of us don’t spend much time dwelling on our eventual
death, but soldiers, especially the ones who fought in the Civil War, have this
on their minds continually, for tomorrow — or even today — could be their last
day on planet Earth.
During the Civil War, some were thoroughly scared, while others found solace in
the small Bible they were given, funded by the government and published by the
American Bible Society on government paper. These soldiers were ready to die for
their country and for what they believed, and what gave them hope was the Bible
they carried.
“The good news is . . .” said the soldier, “Today’s Bible still has the
very same
message!”
How true! When we are facing the terrors of the night, why don’t we turn to
God’s Word, for it is the only book that can give us true solace! If we turn to
Psalms 27:1, we will be surprised by the words King David penned down on paper:
“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?”
During his lifetime King David experienced far more adversity than most of us
will ever see. Mocked by his brothers, persecuted by his father-in-law, a coup
from his own beloved son . . .
He truly did not have an easy life! Still he
discovered the secret of becoming fearless. He genuinely could declare “Whom
shall I fear?”
With God on our side, we can be truly fearless, for light truly does dissipates
the dark corners of our lives!
“Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against
me, even then I will be confident.” (Psalms 27:3, NIV2)
Who among us could declare this with the same boldness that King David did? War
is one of our worst enemies. It creates devastation, separation, suffering and
inevitable death. Truly a horror! Still King David who had experienced such
devastation, remained unfazed.
His secret?
“One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the
house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and
to seek him in his temple.” (Psalms 27:4, NIV2)
You see, God was King David’s real home. Our earthly dwelling can procure
temporary relief over the distresses of the day, but these can possibly be
destroyed. Not so with our Heavenly Daddy! He is steadfast, a mighty fortress
and nothing can withstand Him!
And He can be our real home too!
“For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me
in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock.” (Psalms 27:5,
NIV2)’’
Notice that we will still experience hardships, but we will find a shelter in
God who will sustain us.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world
you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33,
NIV2)
God can truly make a difference in anyone’s life! Better than any medicine, He
truly can give us inner peace amidst the worst terrors of our lives. It’s all in
His Word, the Bible.
Will you stand with King David and become fearless as He was?
Long to dwell in your Heavenly Daddy’s home. You will always be welcome there!
Rob Chaffart
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