When we are afraid
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.
But being afraid doesn’t necessarily mean you’re a weak Christian. Life is filled with challenges and reasons for anxiety and fear. What we do when we’re afraid, not whether we feel afraid, is what defines our faith.
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. Or 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. And 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.
Our heavenly Father understands our fears. He understands when we’re stressed due to finances. He understands when we 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, there’s no limit to how often we can go to Him and say, “Father, I’m afraid. Please help me put my trust in You.”
(Revised from my archives.)
What about you?
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- What causes you to be afraid? Would you consider meditating on Psalm 56:3 every day this week? Let God help you place your trust firmly in His Word. Your heavenly Father is able (and willing) to carry your burdens.
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