What time I am afraid, I will trust in You

With all the chaos that surrounds the pandemic and panic over the corona virus, it was perhaps inevitable that this verse from Psalm 56:3 would stand out to me this morning. But of course it remains true that God is actively at work for good in all things, even in this, in the lives of His saints. And behind it all God is using these things for Kingdom purposes, for our growth and the extension of the Kingdom (Romans 8:28, 29). It is therefore important we respond to these things, in the way that He wants us to. In particular, if we are to be the co-labourers with Christ (1 Corinthians 3:9), then we need to get on board, at the very least, with these two aspect of His agenda, namely our personal growth, and the extension of the Kingdom.

There is a saying that you cannot stop the shadow of an eagle crossing your head, but you can certainly stop it making a nest in your hair! In other words, in this case, we may not be able to stop the initial thoughts and accompanying emotions of fear, that begin to rise in our hearts, but we can certainly stop ourselves obsessing on them (2 Corinthians 10:5). In other words (again) what time I am afraid, I can choose to trust in God. Since fear is the opposite of faith, and without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6), we must choose faith. And it is a choice. But how? The way I do it, is to pray, to read His Word and to rehearse His promises. In particular God has appointed Salvation as walls and bulwarks (Isaiah 26:1). Inside these walls we children are free to play without fear. God grants us the assurance of heaven, so that we can be free from the fear of death and of what man, or circumstance bring (1 John 5:13; Hebrews 2:15; 13:6). The enemy is defeated when we respond in faith to the worst that he can throw against us. When we respond at such times with joy and faith, the enemy is trampled under our feet (Luke 10:19).

I have often said, that one of the best things we can do for those we love and are trying to reach it to grow in faith, wisdom and glory (2 Corinthians 3:18). And especially at this time, we need to have compassion on those who are being overcome by fear. We have been given His shalom peace (John 14:27). And when we are secure in Him, our peace can absorb others fear and bring them comfort. These times can also be times of opportunity to share the hope that is within us, as people wonder, and sometimes ask, how it is that we can be at peace in the midst of the fear and the panic and the shaking of everything that can be shaken. I could envision saying something along the following lines “I don't know if this will make any sense to you, but I have found that salvation is a bulwark to me and a high tower.” And pray they will ask you to explain (1 Peter 3:15).

Father, thank You again this morning for salvation, that our names are written in the Lambs book of life (John 5:24; Revelation 21:27). Lord give us compassion for those who are living in fear right now, and Lord please open the doors for us to share in Jesus Name Amen