Read: Psalm 112
Key Verse: vv7-8:
They will have no fear of bad news;
their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.
Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear;
in the end they will look in triumph on their foes.
What Does it Mean?
According to Psalm 112:8, trust and dependance upon God have three positive results: security, an absence of fear, and the confidence that one day we will “look in triumph on [our] foes” (NIV). We’re reminded, yet again, that God is the only anti-dote we need when fear tries to invade our hearts. In the modern world, we have 24/7 access to news broadcasts that seem utterly focused on giving us reasons to be afraid – troubling political situations, financial crises, unemployment, civil war, terrorism… the list is seemingly endless. It’s difficult to watch a news broadcast and not experience the stirrings of fear. And that’s without the personal situations that cause us to feel anxious about the future. But the Bible tells us, over, and over, and over that we don’t have to give in to fear. We don’t have to let ourselves be carried away on a tsunami-sized wave of anxiety. If the news channels give us 24/7 access to sources of fear, the Bible, God’s eternal, solid, unchangeable Word, gives us 24/7 access to complete peace, security and victory. When we trust God, utterly and completely, to take care of us, we will find that the fears of the world dissipate. It’s all a matter of perspective. We could choose to look at the situations we face, personally and globally, from the viewpoint of their potential to cause us harm, or we can choose to look at them in the light of our God, who is greater than our greatest fear, bigger than our biggest enemy, stronger than our strongest foe, and who secured everlasting victory over death on the cross at Calvary.
Bottom Line
We only have to turn on the news to be overwhelmed by things that could cause us to experience fear and anxiety – politics, financial crises, terrorist acts, etc. – but when we put our faith and trust in God, we have the ability to choose not to give in to fears and doubts. The potential sources of fear don’t dissipate, but we choose to believe the simple truth that our God is greater than our greatest fears.
Journalling and Reflection
- Trust and dependance upon God result in security, peace and confidence in our ultimate victory. How does this statement make you feel? Why?
- God is the anti-dote when fear tries to invade our hearts. Make a list of things that you know about who God is and His power and strength that you can use to combat your fears and anxieties.
- We have a choice about how we view fearful situations – with anxiety or with confidence in God. How do you view your situations? What practical steps can you take to make sure that you are viewing them with a God-perspective?
Prayer Pointers
Thank God that He is the ultimate anti-dote to fear and anxiety. Praise Him for His trustworthiness and dependability. Ask Him to help you view everything through the eyes of faith, not the filter of fear.