“For this is God, Our God forever and ever; He will be our guide even to death.” Psalm 48:14

Fear is the emotion that we feel at a perceived threat. We see something looming on the horizon and we feel fear. This is a natural response because we are human, and we naturally want to flee from danger. But take a look at what is really going on. A perceived threat is not an actual one at the moment. This means, if you are still alive and well, the threat has not been realized. And since we are human, we can’t know everything, nor see into the future. We must take the variables at hand and interpret what it will mean for us. This puts us as the interpreter of events, but it does not put us in the godlike position of actually knowing what will happen. As humans, we interpret based upon the grid of our personality, events that color our past, our personal bents towards temptation, our ability to see the variables and even if we had a good night’s sleep. Then add to that mix, you have the devil getting in there with his lies that God doesn’t hear, all is lost, and we have to save ourselves.

This is not a very secure place to make a judgement, let alone act on it. The only secure place for a mortal to be is on the true Rock, which is the Lord who spoke the universe into being, who sees everything, knows everything and has everything in His hands, which includes our particular situation down here on earth. That is the rock that we look to, to interpret everything else.

“For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light.” Ps. 36:9

“Hear my cry, O God; Attend to my prayer. From the end of the earth I will cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been a shelter for me, a strong tower from the enemy.” Ps 61:1-3

Then He tells us how to view things based upon His Word, which tells us that He is still in perfect control and loves us. Our Savior, Jesus, tells us things like:

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.” Jn. 14:1

“As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love.” Jn 15:9

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” Jn. 14:27

We interpret our situation based upon who God is and not upon our emotions. The things stated above are true, and we should act accordingly with them in mind. But, what about the natural emotion that is felt at the time of a threat? It is not the emotion that presents itself in the moment that is the problem, but what we do with it right after that counts. Does it go up to God or remain on us? Sometimes it is a juggling act, but that is the growing and learning part. Our faith grows as we struggle, confess, learn and grow. God is very patient, and He doesn’t want us to give in to the emotion at the moment but to keep giving our burdens to Him and to keep them there. Here is the process:

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Phil. 4:6,7

Therefore we can have peace because of who He is, not because of our ability to see or to save ourselves.

“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trust in You.”
Is 26:3

And in the end, if the threat proves real and we get hit, God will be there to help. He promises that.

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Is. 41:10