OUR HOPE: Whom Shall I Fear?

‘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?’ Psalm 27:1 (ESV) We often find ourselves in situations that bring fear.  Sometimes it is physical fear and sometimes it is spiritual fear.  To human beings, any fear is a valid fear. Fear can penetrate our personal resolve to live a fearless life in Christ.  This resolve can be like steel when things are good, but it can be reduced to Kool-Aid when a real threat appears.  And this is when we must turn immediately to God and His Word to rebuild those places which the enemy has trespassed upon. ‘For God gave us a spirit not of fear, but of power and love and self-control.’ 2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV). When we give our lives to Christ, we receive multiple promises along with that.  One of the benefits He promises is His power.  With His power and strength we are able to fend off attacks against our sound minds, and our trust in Jesus.  We do not receive the damage satan intends to inflict on us when we stand on that, and other promises. We need not cave in and accept defeat to any fear.  An example is my unreasonable fear of heights.  I have no solid reason for this fear.  There has not been a precipitating factor to have caused it.  But it is as real to me as the air I breathe. When I was in Ecuador recently, I had a measure of success against this unreasonable fear that has stolen much pleasure from my life.  I prayed and believed, and I stood on one of the tallest mountains in Ecuador with my back against the edge of the area I walked on.  I have a picture of the magnificent view of God’s creation, which reminds me that ‘I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.’ Philippians 4:13 (ESV). When you are feeling fear of anything, physical, such as surgery, or of another person, or of a threat to your spirituality, or an attack against your self-image, pray, and read what God has to say about it.  He is Our only Hope, and He holds the key to overcoming fear, and to walking daily in faith and confidance…in Him! ‘For everyone who is born of God overcomes the world.  And this is the victory that has overcome the world — our faith.  Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?’  1 John:4-5 (ESV). Blessings!