I'm actually talking about fear today. This is such a pervasive feeling in our hearts that we don't even recognize it. How many of you have been afraid that your teen won't make it into the college of their choice, only to be afraid once they do that they will end up in the worldly crowd? How many have been afraid that a husband won't make it home for supper in time, only to then be afraid that he's not working enough overtime to pay the bills? What a mosquito this fear is.
Where does this fear come from? Is our desire to protect our comforts and our children cause enough to not trust God with them? 1 Peter 3, in discussing Sarah's submission to her husband, gives us good words to apply to other areas of our lives as well: And you are her children, if you do good and do nor fear anything that is frightening (v. 6b).
And what about this admonition further on (v. 14-15): But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy.
Surely the cares of this world are troubling, and sometimes conspire to drown us. But there is an antidote: the fear of God. He governs all things. He can be trusted. You can let go of your control. You can actively pursue God's peace by believing that He controls it all.
Get to know Him better by studying the Word, memorizing and meditating on it. In fact, read the same good passage daily for a week; oh, the things you will learn! Begin with Romans 12, or Psalm 103, or 1 Peter 3.
Repent of your fears every time they threaten to nibble at your heart. Repent that you are not trusting God with the things that only He can change. And then commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will act (Psalm 37:5).
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