“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust and am not afraid.” Psalm 56:3-4 (NIV)
Are your fears holding you back? Perhaps they are holding you back from:
- Speaking up for yourself
- Meeting that person
- Applying for a job
- Going for the promotion
- Taking a trip or an adventure
- Writing a book
- Sharing your faith
Oh, friend, I have been there. I can’t tell you how many times my fears have held me back from experiencing something extraordinary.
I remember my first day in the dorms at college. My parents had just gotten me all settled in and said their goodbyes. Then I went to the dining hall. As I filled my tray in the cafeteria, I looked around and noticed how everyone already seemed to know one another. I remember wondering if people had already noticed my lazy eye. Would I be accepted or cast off as a nobody, the way I had been in high school?
I silently walked across the room, searching for a quiet place to sit alone. But all the tables were full. So, I asked myself, “Do you want to spend the next four years alone feeling sorry for yourself? The answer was a resounding no! So I took a deep breath, said a quick prayer, and approached the girls at the nearest table. Then, I introduced myself and asked if I could join them.
It turns out that this was one of the best decisions I have made in my entire life. Because those girls became my best friends and later roommates. In fact, we remain friends to this day. I am deeply grateful to God for helping me overcome my fear.
Fear is a weapon the enemy uses to prevent us from having the freedom and abundant life God has for us. He lies to us, telling us we aren’t strong enough, we aren’t good enough, we aren’t worthy enough, or that we will never be able to do something. The Bible explains it this way, “He is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44, NIV).
That’s why we need to trust God more than our fears. After all, the Bible repeatedly tells us to “fear not.” And I wish it were as simple as saying. “OK, God, I won’t be afraid.” The thing is, it’s not easy. However, when we pray and pour out our hearts, hopes, dreams, and fears to God, He will give us the strength to ignore the enemy’s lies and act despite our fears.
David shows us how to trust God more than our fears. David made mistakes and had real fears. But he wasn’t afraid to give it all out to God in prayer. Then, he stood firm on God’s strength rather than his own. David said, “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust and am not afraid” Psalm 56:3-4 (NIV).
Despite his situation and mistakes, David knew he could go to God. David knew God’s power was made perfect in weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:9). Finally, David knew all things are possible with God (Matthew 19:26). Maybe this is why God referred to him as “a man after his own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14).
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for helping me when I am weak and afraid. Help me remember I can come to you anytime and pour out my heart and fears, knowing you will help me. Thank you, Lord, for giving me your strength when I am weak and afraid. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
