Fear not
by Stuart Gray
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I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears (Psalm 34:4).
Read Psalm 34:1–8
Fear is a significant motivator in our lives – sometimes for the good, but it mostly has a negative impact.
Fear of something new is very common, as is fear of missing out. Fear of standing out, such as expressing who we really are or what we believe in, is also a big one. Ask people if they like public speaking. Overwhelmingly, it is the last thing people want to do.
We fear other people and what they can do to us. We fear being tested, of being found out that we are not good enough. The list goes on.
Fear can sometimes be a motivator for making sensible decisions. Fear of the consequences of speeding or walking too close to a cliff edge can be lifesaving.
The two sides of fear are expressed in this psalm. In verse four, the Lord delivers from all fears. Yet, in verse seven, those who fear the Lord are delivered. What a beautiful image verse seven presents: ‘The angel of the Lord encamps around them who fear him, and he delivers them.’
God wants to take away our negative fears and protect those who fear him.
So, how do we do what God wants in relation to fear? We have to seek the Lord, listen to his responses, and have faith that his saving grace is real in our lives.
John Newton, the author of the lyrics for the song ‘Amazing Grace’, put it succinctly:
Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace, my fears relieved.
Looking back on events in my life, I see several times I let fear dictate my actions or lack of action. If only I had had more faith in God’s grace to say, ‘I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears’.
What fears are stopping you, and which ones are you going to allow God to deliver you from?
Heavenly Father, thank you for your promise to take away our fears. Give us the faith to live in your promise so that we fear the things we should fear and surrender all other fears to you. Amen.
Stuart, with his wife Pamela Dalgliesh, lives in Mansfield, Victoria. Stuart has a background in agricultural science, rural journalism and corporate affairs. He loves living on a small farm in the beautiful High Country of Victoria, being involved in the Mansfield community and travelling. He is currently travelling in Europe, which will include a visit to the Poznan region of Poland, where some of Australia’s original German Lutherans came.
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