“I will not be afraid of many thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around.” Psalm 3:6
Devotion:
There are many reasons to be afraid in this life. The root of fear is the sense that a bad outcome is in our future. Our plans might be upended, our bodies might be harmed, or the stability of our lives might be shaken. Fear always has to do with the dread of what is to come.
David looks up and realizes that his reasons to be afraid are comprehensive. He counts the thousands of people who have made him their enemies. He acknowledges that they have set themselves against him for harm. And he understands that he is totally surrounded. He is outmatched, hated, and surrounded. This is a recipe for fear, right? So how is it that David can say, right in the midst of this, that he will not be afraid? David had learned–“if God is for me, who can be against me?”
The great promise from God is that, no matter what happens in this life, if we have found our refuge in God, then our future is bright. No weapon formed against God’s people will prosper. No enemy is strong enough to separate us from God’s love. And God’s ultimate purposes will come to fruition in our lives. If fear has to do with the future, and God has promised to secure our future, then what do we have to fear?
Prayer:
Father, at times we look around and feel completely outmatched. We are surrounded on every side by things that induce fear in us. But if You are our shield, then we know we are safe, eternally.
Would You grant us the faith to commit ourselves fully to You? Please calm our nerves so that we can walk with You in resolute hope. We hate how we walk in fear at times because we don’t trust You fully.
We truly want to live looking up to You rather than seeing what is all around us. Fix our eyes upon Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith. We know that it is seeing Him that creates godly courage in us. In Jesus’ name, we worship and pray.
Amen.
