Fear or Security?

Mon 22 Jun 2020

In this life we can never be wholly free of fear: fear of ill health, poverty, loss of property, ill-treatment by others, loss of those near us, or even of our own death. The list of fears, real or imagined, is endless. Because we are mortal, finite creatures, we are bound to be plagued by feelings of fear and insecurity.

Past Masters

Many Bible characters experienced these fears too, but they learned that these could be overcome. Their experiences are recorded in God’s Word, the Bible, so that we can learn from them and change our behaviour accordingly. The secret by which they lived is that they learned to put their trust in God.

King David, one of the earliest kings of Israel, lived an adventuresome and often dangerous life, yet he found that God was utterly trustworthy and wholly dependable. He knew that whatever men might do to him, or try to do to him, he had no reason to fear. His faith in God gave him hope and confidence, for he believed that God would save him and keep him secure. Here are two Psalms in which he expresses that view:

“I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.” (Psalm 34:4)

“What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.” (Psalm 56:3-4)

Far-Sighted

There were many problems and pressures that confronted David, but he learned to look forward in the realisation that God had a long-term plan for him. As an outlaw, being chased by Saul, he had the assurance that he had been anointed as king (by Samuel) and that one day he would indeed sit upon Israel’s throne and rule for God over His people. Thus he could write:

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.” (Psalm 23:4-6)

David was, in fact, looking beyond his mortal life to that time when he would be raised from the dead and given everlasting life and it was that long term view of life something that also helped the Lord Jesus Christ to live a life of absolute service and to die on the cross in perfect obedience to his Father’s commandments:

“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.” (Hebrews 12:2)

Written For Us

Notice that these things are written so that, by considering him, we too can find peace of mind. If we put our trust in Almighty God we too can enjoy the freedom from fear and peace of mind promised by the writer to the Hebrews.

“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me?” (Hebrews 13:5-6)

This is a wonderful two-fold offer. First we are promised peace of mind now, in this life:

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27).

Second, we are offered the security of eternal life in the future kingdom of God, where fear will be banished forever and where peace will reign supreme. At that time, says the prophet:

“But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make them afraid: for the mouth of the LORD of hosts hath spoken it.” (Micah 4:4).

So there is an answer to our present fears, if we put our faith in God.