One More Former Thought...

Psalm 34:4-5

The Psalmist said “... he delivered me from all my fears”; implying that God himself is the deliverer and not just of some but, of ALL fears (Psalm 103:2-5). He is still in the business of delivering us today (Hebrews 13:8).

Webster defines fear as “ to be afraid of: expect with alarm...apprehensive”. Another expands on that definition, defining it as “ a feeling of agitation and anxiety caused by the presence or imminence of danger.”

FEAR...the stuff in our lives, whether real or perceived, that stirs up alarm, anxiety, agitation or apprehension. Those things that have the potential to render us completely paralyzed and ineffective; if left unchecked. God tells us in His Word to cast all of our cares upon Him because he cares for us. Fear is a very real emotion. Everyone experiences it at one point or another. The question is what do you do when fear comes knocking’? Do you sit, soak and allow it to consume you or do you do what the Psalmist did in chapter 34:4-

“ I sought the Lord, and He answered me. He delivered me from all my fears.” 

It says he “sought the Lord”- he didn’t entertain the fear - he cried out to God. He knew his only hope of not being overwhelmed by fear was to release it to the only one who could cast it out!

It is the same for us. If we cry out to God and allow him to, he will cast out all of our fears. Not only will he cast them out, he will replace them with His peace. The Bible says that “ perfect love casts out fear” (I John 4:18). God is that perfect love. It is the essence of who He is. He can be nothing else - it is against His very nature. Psalm 103 tells us that He is compassionate, gracious, slow to anger and abounding in love. All we have to do is cry out and He steps in! The scripture says, “Do not be anxious about anything but, in everything through prayer and petition - with thanksgiving - present your request to God and the peace of God which transcends understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).

The Father has a compassionate love for us. He understands how we work. Because we are His creation, He is intimately connected to us. He wired us to be emotional beings; to experience the full gamut of those emotions. He is on the level...

“ As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear [reverence] him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust” (Psalm 103: 13-14).

He does not stand in accusation or condemnation...

He simply says through His Word: 

Cast your cares [fears] on me (Psalm 55:22) for I care for you...take my yoke upon you for my yoke is easy and my burden is light (Matthew 11: 29-30)... and I WILL supply all of your needs according to My glorious riches in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).

Let your mind dwell on His rich promises. There is no room for fear to abide when your heart is set on His goodness - trusting - He IS eternally faithful! He WILL make every provision for those whose hearts and minds are His through Christ Jesus! Are you His? If so, start operating like it. 

“ Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.”

 -Psalm 34:5

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Philippians 4:8).