A cure for fear

DAILY BIBLE READING:

Isaiah 10:1–11:16 
2 Corinthians 12:11-21 
Psalm 56:1-13 
Proverbs 23:6-8

TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):

Psalm 56:3-4 (ESV) "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. What can flesh do to me?"

REFLECTIONS ON TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):

I love reading through the book of Psalms. While the Apostle Paul's New Testament letters are intellectually stimulating and written to the mind, David's psalms (and the other psalms) are emotionally stirring and written to the heart.

Psalm 56 is no different. In it, we read of David who was lamenting the fact that he had enemies against him. It appears that these enemies were the Philistines who had taken him captive. They intended great harm for him.

Yet, while he had more than enough reason to be afraid, he refused to succumb to that emotion. Why?

"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. What can flesh do to me?" (Psalm 56:3-4)

Do you see how he was able to combat legitimate reasons for fear? He put his trust in the Lord.

What did that look like? What does it mean to "put my trust in the Lord?" Here are a few ideas:

• He rested in the fact that nothing could happen unless God allowed it.
• He rested in the fact that even bad things were intended by a gracious God for his good.
• He rested in the fact that people are infinitely weaker than God and can only do what He allows.
• He rested in the fact that God was working out a wonderful plan even in the bad things that happened to him.

On and on we could go but you get the idea.

Will you trust in the Lord today? If you do, you will fear less. Rest in your Father's care. Your faith will be well placed.

He who fears God fears no man

DAILY BIBLE READING:

1 Samuel 29:1-31:13
John 11:55-12:19
Psalm 118:1-18
Proverbs 15:24-26

BIBLE VERSE(S) FOR TODAY:

Psalm 118:6 "The Lord is for me; I will not be afraid. What can a mere mortal do to me?"

REFLECTIONS ON TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):

Talk about a positive perspective! Our Verse for Today is the utterance of a man who wasn't afraid of people and had a substantive reason for his courage.

The reason for his courage? He said: "The Lord is for me; I will not be afraid."

Now, we have to be so careful when we look at those words. Why? Because when we read them, we may come to the erroneous conclusion that we're the ones calling the shots and we want the Lord on our side. 

The question is not, "Is the Lord on my side?" The question is, "Am I on the Lord's side?"

"The Lord is for me" should be taken as the utterance of a person who is living his/her life to please the Lord and is regularly seeking forgiveness and cleansing from Him when they mess up. As they follow Him and get on His side, then it can be said that the Lord is for them.

And, when the Lord is for them, they won't be afraid of what people can do to them.

Does this mean that people will never hurt us? Does this mean we will be protected from all things that are undesirable?

Nope. God was on Jesus' side and yet He was constantly mistreated and maligned by the Pharisees and was eventually tortured and killed on the cross.

A Christian doesn't believe that following the Lord makes them immune to all pain and suffering. Instead, they realize that whatever man can do to them MUST be initiated or allowed by their loving Heavenly Father. It has to come from / through His hands before it reaches us.

So, even though others may cause trouble for us, we realize that God has to allow it for His own purposes. And since it came from Him, then we can rest in the fact that He will be with us in the trouble and He desires to use it to make us more like Jesus.

It is in this sense that we fear no man when we fear the Lord.

Obeying God rather than others

DAILY BIBLE READING: 

1 Samuel 15:1–16:23 

John 8:1-20 

Psalm 110:1-7 

Proverbs 15:8-10

BIBLE VERSE(S) FOR TODAY:

1 Samuel 15:24 "Saul said to Samuel, 'I have sinned, for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD and your words, because I feared the people and obeyed their voice.'"

REFLECTIONS ON TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):

"He who truly fears God fears no man."

That is, if we have a growing understanding of God's holiness and infinite power, and if we understand that our life is in His hands, and that no one's love for us is even remotely close to how much our Heavenly Father loves us, then when others tell us to do something in conflict with what He desires, we will always obey Him. 

That means that we must spend much time in the Bible as we continue to deepen our understanding of what truth is, what God has typically told His children to do, how it is that He speaks to His children, and so much more.

It means that we will spend time in prayer as we submit ourselves to Him, seeking His guidance, strength, wisdom, and everything else we need to hear and follow Him.

It means that we will consciously yield ourselves to the Holy Spirit's filling (Ephesians 5:18) so that we can live the life God has called us to live.

Obeying God rather than those around us will not always be easy. But, God has given us the resources with which we can do it and receive the blessings of obeying Him.

(To understand "the fear of the Lord" a little better, you can read my blog from a few days ago by clicking here.)

Fear is a pathway to joy

DAILY BIBLE READING:

Ruth 2:1–4:22 
John 4:43-54 
Psalm 105:16-36 
Proverbs 14:26-27

BIBLE VERSE(S) FOR TODAY:

Proverbs 14:26-27 (CSB) "In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence and his children have a refuge. The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning people away from the snares of death."

REFLECTIONS ON TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):

In my Bible reading this morning, I came across a phrase that is used often in Scripture: "the fear of the Lord."

Proverbs 14:26-27 (CSB) "In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence and his children have a refuge. The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning people away from the snares of death."

Because so many people misunderstand that phrase, they find it utterly distasteful and maybe even abhorrent. They don't want to serve a God that they should fear.

Yet, when we properly understand that phrase, we realize that God is calling us to satisfy our desire for joy. Yes, you understood that correctly - fear is a pathway to joy.

Let me illustrate...

This summer, my family and a group of 7 others from Westside Baptist Church will make our way to Denver where we will work alongside some church planters at Calvary Denver. When our week of service is complete, my family has plans to head to the Grand Canyon.

Back in 1997, Kim visited the Grand Canyon with a female co-worker when work sent them out to Phoenix. Neither my sons nor I have experienced it yet. For the past 20 years, Kim has periodically told me about that trip. That 'hole in the ground' made such an impact on her that she still gets a far-off look in her eyes when she tells me about it.

What was so special about it? The colors. The vastness. But also the fear.

You see, people typically don't like to view the Grand Canyon from the parking lot. They like to step up to the railing. As they look over the railing, they see that they are standing on the edge of a cliff. That metal barrier is the only thing protecting them from falling hundreds of feet to their death. Their heart is racing, they are captivated by the beauty, they are afraid ... and they love it! That's part of the experience!

That's how God wants us to enjoy Him. To come to a greater awareness of His beauty. To understand Him more fully and enjoy His presence. But, also to understand that His power is infinite, we are frail, and we are at His mercy. Basking in His love but also in His holiness and infinite power, there is fear ... but we love it!

So, friend, "the fear of the Lord" should never cause us to get a bitter taste in our mouth. It is a call to enjoy our God. Why not ask Him to help you develop a little bit more "fear of the Lord" today?

Pour out your heart to God

TODAY'S BIBLE READING:

Numbers 28:16-29:40
Luke 3:23-38
Psalm 62:1-12
Proverbs 11:18-19

BIBLE VERSE(S) FOR TODAY:

Psalm 62:8 (CSB) "Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts before him. God is our refuge."

REFLECTIONS ON TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):

As a young Christian, I believed a lie about my prayer life. I thought that 'mature' prayers focused on others. It was the prayer of an immature Christian that focused on themselves. 

Or, so I thought.

When I went off to college, I spiraled into a serious time of discouragement - depression, really. And as I tried to work my way through that difficult time, I wanted desperately to feel loved and accepted by God. 

Yet, He felt a million miles away. When God's Word told me that Jesus called me His friend (John 15:15), it felt like that truth applied to everyone else except me.

... and then I re-read the book of Psalms!

The book of Psalms provided a powerful paradigm shift for me. I saw the Psalmist being completely real about his questions. I saw him opening up his heart to the Lord and not holding anything back. I realized that the Psalmist said things that I wouldn't have dared say in my own prayers because they sounded too harsh or even disrespectful.

... and yet He basked in God's love for Him.

And then it hit me! God knows my heart anyway. So, why not tell Him everything! Why not follow the Psalmist's example and be completely open and honest about what's going on in the privacy of my heart. Tell Him of my fears, my questions, my concerns, my doubts.

Or, as the Psalmist said in today's verse: "pour out your hearts before him."

One reason we are rarely completely honest with our family and friends is because we fear that we will be rejected. They will hear what is going on inside of us and then pull away from us.

So, we don't pour out our hearts. We keep it private and hidden wishing we could be accepted in light of who we truly are, struggles and all.

But, in prayer, God WANTS us to "pour out (our) hearts." He won't pull away. In fact, as we "pour out (our) hearts," we realize that He will forever remain "our refuge." 

Be honest with the Lord. Tell Him everything that is going on inside of you. Realize that He knows it already ... and still loves you more than you could ever possibly imagine. If you are His child, there is absolutely nothing you can do that would cause Him to love you any less.

So, be honest with Him in your prayers - as honest as the Psalmist was. And then bask in the fact that as you are becoming more like Jesus as the years pass by, you are dearly loved by your Heavenly Father through it all.

How to relax during the stresses of life

TODAY'S BIBLE READING:

Numbers 19:1-20:29
Luke 1:1-25
Psalm 56:1-13
Proverbs 11:8

BIBLE VERSE(S) FOR TODAY:

Psalm 56:3 "But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you."

REFLECTIONS ON TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):

When my children were much younger, they seemed to not have a care in the world. I could have sweaty palms as I drove down the interstate in a blinding storm ... and they were in the backseat giggling. I could stress as I looked at the checkbook realizing that there wasn't enough money to pay a utility bill ... and they were chasing each other through the house.

That's the nature of children. They trust. And because they trust, they just don't worry.

Have you noticed as you read through the Gospels that Jesus periodically took a child up into his arms (Mark 9:36-37) and encouraged his follows to be like that child? He wants us to trust Him. When we trust Him, we become like a child who is much more carefree than we, adults, typically tend to be.

That's the beautiful truth we see in this morning's verse for today.

"But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you." (Psalm 56:3).

So, be an adult and do what you should in each circumstance. If the car is making a strange noise, be responsible and get it looked at. If you are struggling to make ends meet, look for a second job. If you're driving through a blinding storm, consider taking the next exit to safety.

But, through it all, learn to trust Jesus. The more you trust Him, just like a child trusts their parent, the more you will be able to rest in your spirit.

"Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him,

How I've proved Him o'r and o'r.

Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus,

Oh for grace to trust Him more."

A woman's eyes and a ferocious dog

This morning, I went out for a run and was reminded that a woman's eyes testify to the fact that we live in a broken world.

 

Now that may sound strange until you think about it. My run this morning took place before sunrise. The only light was from the few oncoming cars and the streetlights. I only saw 3 or 4 other folks out on their walks / runs. (You don't realize how desolate a city can be until you go out on a very early morning run.)

 

One of the few folks I saw was a lady out on her run. Typically, runners acknowledge each other. We're a group of folks with a common love for the sport of running so we often feel a kinship with each other ... unless it's a woman who runs into a man she doesn't know early in the morning on a quiet, dark road.

 

As she approached me (we were headed in opposite directions), I looked briefly at her to wave and give a friendly "Good morning." Yet, she did what most women do in that situation ... she refused to look at me. Why? Because (more than likely) she was concerned that I was a man who she didn't know. She assumed that as a man, I was stronger than her. She was also mindful that people who are strong often abuse that strength to hurt others. So, rather than take the chance, she must have felt it was safer for her to simply pass by me without acknowledging my presence.

 

Simply put, strength can be a very frightening thing when it is wielded by someone who cares more for themselves than serving others. It is especially frightening when strength is enjoyed by someone who finds pleasure in hurting others.

 

It is in this way that we are to understand Israel's concern regarding the nuclear talks with Iran. Iran is a brutish nation. Over and over, their leaders have proclaimed their desire to destroy Israel. They have made it clear that they hate Israel and will not stop until it is annihilated.

 

So, Iran's 'heart' is clear. Given the opportunity and power, no one should be shocked if Iran acts on their threats and tries to bring severe harm to Israel. All they lack is the appropriate strength / power to act.

 

Well, enter the U.S. leadership. Our government officials are in talks about providing Iran with the ability to pursue nuclear "strength" for energy purposes (does ANYONE actually believe that is Iran's purpose?!). 

 

So, a brute nation with a heart bent on hurting Israel is in talks with America about developing their strength. Can anyone blame Israel for being concerned? Can anyone blame Israel for doing whatever it can to find out what is going on (including spying) especially since they were not invited to be a part of the 'negotiations?'

 

Oh, one more thing about the female runner this morning ... she had a leash on her right hand and left hand. At the end of each leash were some dogs that looked like they were prepared to tear into anyone who threatened the welfare of their master. If someone sought to harm her, all she would have to say is, "Sic 'em."


With Iran's sadistic heart set on genocide and with her potential to become stronger, I find myself wishing that Israel would "sic 'em."

The Joy of Fearing God

"But the Lord of hosts, him you shall honor as holy. Let him be your fear, and let him be your dread." (Isaiah 8:13).

There are many verses like this in the Bible ... verses that say we should fear God ... that our natural response would be to fall down in His presence and tremble.

Some folks are more than a little uncomfortable with this. They say things like, "What kind of God is that?! He wants us to FEAR Him?! I don't want to believe in a God like THAT!"

Yet, they fail to realize the beauty of it. They fail to see that this is what the human heart longs to experience.

Imagine that you were in a high political office and were invited by a high ranking general to view a top-secret military location. You followed him through a multitude of metal doors as you also made your way down various flights of stairs.

When you came to a final door, the general halted, looked you in the eye and said, "Hear that hum?" Yes, you hear it. It was almost deafening. He said, "Behind this door is a new type of weapon. It's been recently developed. It is so powerful that it would make the atom bomb look like a Fourth of July firecracker that failed. This weapon could easily blow up an entire continent."

Your jaw dropped. Your eyes widened. Your mouth begin to feel very dry and your knees were shaking. As he punched the code into the door lock, you almost found yourself saying, “No! Hold on a second. We don’t need to go in that room. I’m good.” But, he opens the door and invites you in.

There it is! This massive weapon that was putting off that loud humming noise. And as you viewed it, you were filled with a multitude of emotions, just a few of which were awe, fear, elation and humility. And while you would find yourself ready to call the visit to a close and get out of there, you would notice at a later time that you wanted to go back for a visit. Such power that evoked such fear was almost intoxicating. You would also find that everything inside you would want to tell others of your experience.

Simply put, if we don't fear God, then it's not the God of the Bible. If we properly understand the God of the Bible in His holiness and power, He will often cause us to have the same sort of emotions described in the story above. If He never does, then the "god" we have in our minds and hearts is a "god" of our own imaginations.

There are more than a few Bible teachers and preachers who think it is not to their benefit to speak of a God that needs to be feared. But, in so doing, they rob their listeners of the joy of knowing such a holy and powerful God that SHOULD strike fear in the hearts of all who know Him … and they LOVE it!

"But the Lord of hosts, him you shall honor as holy. Let him be your fear, and let him be your dread." (Isaiah 8:13).