Overcoming Fear

Commentary

There is good fear and bad fear. The fear that makes you stand away from the edge of a cliff is good fear, keeping you safe from harm. Then there is the fear that Satan and his demons use. This fear is filled with lies and hypotheticals. It’s the fear used by wicked men to force people to do things against their better judgment. It’s the fear that keeps you second-guessing God’s plan for your life. And it’s the fear that keeps you dependent upon yourself and mankind over God.

In verse 1, David poses a very important question for the follower of Christ: whom should I fear or dread? If you are in Christ, then fear should no longer rule over you. I know that’s easier said than done. But we have a God who has overcome all things and can help you overcome too.

David reminds himself of God’s work in his life, dwelling on how God helped him through the most difficult times. When fear creeps into your heart, dwell on the times when God has made you a victor over it.

David was no stranger to having enemies, yet he did not let it shake his confidence in the Lord, but made it stronger. Maybe you don’t have armies gathering against you, but you might have medical issues, difficult co-workers, tough family members, or any number of fear-inducing situations. Know and understand that Jesus is with you always; He has promised us so. When the challenges look too great and fear sets in, call to Him and He will help you through.

Commentary

David’s desire was to seek the Lord. It too should be your heart’s desire to dwell in the house of the Lord all of your days — and even more so when you’re struggling in life.

Many of the fears we have are just lies that we allow our minds to churn over for hours, days, weeks, months, and even years. Yet if we would just focus our attention on Jesus, seeking His face every single day, those fears would quickly dissipate.

As children of the Most High, we’re protected. That doesn’t mean that things in this world cannot harm our bodies; it means that our souls are His, and He will never let anything take us away from Him.

Though sickness, violence, and the like may prevail against our bodies, God is not caught off guard or surprised. What seems like victory for the enemy of our souls will be nothing at the Day of the Lord. Because in the end, God will raise you and I up in victory over all things.

This is why you and I cannot let fear overrun our hearts and minds, because whatever may come to us in this world is only temporary. We have the hope of what is to come, the promise of Heaven.

Commentary

David displays his anxiety in these verses, alluding to the fact that God acts in His own time and not ours. It might seem that He is not listening or acting, but He is.

I know how paralyzing fear can overwhelm, and in that moment, it can feel like you need a full-on rescue. But remember that when it seems God is silent, He is working.

Consider the fact that you are saved. If you’ve indeed placed your trust in Jesus, what is the worst that can happen to you? Really, think deep about this. If disease kills you, your next breath is with the Lord. If someone kills you, your next breath is with the Lord. No matter what happens to you, the Lord is either with you in Spirit right now, or your next breath will be taken in His presence.

We do not have the hopelessness that this world has, so remind yourself of that every day and live in the joy of the Lord, which He has instilled deep within your soul.

Commentary

We live in a world fueled by fear. You’re told if you don’t do this, X will happen. Or if you do that, Y will happen. It’s not that understanding cause and effect is bad, but it’s that often these things are drilled into our heads to induce a fear response, for the profit or gain of the one who is pushing such narratives.

There is wisdom in some of what we’re told, but we must always remember that God is in control. Your life and my life are His. It’s God who knows the number of our days and it’s God who allows or prevents things in our lives. There is always a reason that God allows or acts; you may never fully know what that is, but it’s there. It’s always for our good and His glory.

We should first approach Him for wisdom before just accepting what an “expert”, family member, friend, or anyone says. When you step out in faith to do what He lays on your heart, He will equip you for the task, showing you His goodness. He does not leave you alone to deal with life.

David certainly understood this and went to the Lord often throughout his life. And in that close relationship, David was certain that he would see God’s goodness in his life, and we can be certain too.

Life is too short to allow fear to constantly overwhelm you; you must seek courage and wisdom in the Lord each and every day.

Commentary

We end this study with David’s psalm of the Good Shepherd. No matter what comes at you in life, Jesus is your Good Shepherd. All you must do is follow after Him. When you do, the worries, the fears, the lies, the anxieties of life will melt away.

Understand that this does not come easy, but as you learn to hand over all things to Him, He will take on your burden, strengthening you and seeing you through.

If you live in the West, as I do, we’ve had it so good for so long, blessed by God. Our brothers and sisters in many parts of the world struggle with the type of things that would make most of us pass out in fear. Yet they keep on going, joyously in the Lord.

Difficulties aren’t always a bad thing; they draw us closer to the Lord as we seek His face with a newfound urgency. But fear should not be consuming you, whether you’re in a season of calm or a season of difficulties. Regardless, never lose sight of the Good Shepherd who is leading you beside quiet waters and helping you through the darkest of valleys, which include those times of great fear.