You heard the best sermon about faith last Sunday. And now, less than a week later, you feel like you’ve let God down because you’re afraid. To make matters worse, you feel like you can’t be honest about your feelings to your church friends.

But being afraid doesn’t necessarily mean you’re a weak Christian. Life is filled with challenges and reasons for anxiety and fear. Our faith isn’t defined by whether we feel afraid but by what we do when we’re afraid.

During a recent quiet time, I read Psalm 56:3 (ESV):

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.

The words “When I am” stood out to me. Though there are many verses in the Bible that encourage us not to fear, I appreciate that this verse addresses the times when we are afraid. Fear and anxiety are natural responses during a crisis or a stressful challenge – even for strong, Bible-believing Christians.

It would be unnatural not to be afraid when your spouse is talking about leaving, when you’re about to be interviewed for a must-have job or when you find out your child has contracted a life-threatening disease. Who wouldn’t fear having to face a calculus final or worse, being bullied at school?

Admitting we’re afraid isn’t the same as confessing a lack of faith. On the contrary, recognizing our fear and being honest with God about our emotions help us admit how much we need Him. Sharing candidly with others about our fears frees us to ask for their prayers and support.

What is going on in your life that causes you to be afraid? What would happen if, when you experience fear, you practice, practice, practice putting your trust and confidence in God as this week’s verse instructs us to do?

Our heavenly Father understands our fears. He understands when we’re stressed due to finances. He understands when we’re weighed down because of a situation our loved one is facing. Putting our trust in Him takes the unbearable weight of our situation off our frail shoulders and places it directly onto His broad, strong ones.

As we learn to rely on God’s wisdom, power and goodness, we can face life with courage and peace. Thankfully, He doesn’t limit how often we can go to Him and say, “Father, I’m afraid. Help me put my trust in You.”

What about you?

I’d love to hear your thoughts about this post. (Your comment might also benefit others.)

• What causes you to be afraid?
• Does it help to know that God understands your fear?
• Would you consider meditating on Psalm 56:3 every day this week?

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