When life is unbearable we must go to Jesus for strength.
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? – Psalm 27:1.
There are times in life when we are so gripped with fear and anxiety even getting out of bed and doing anything feels nearly impossible. Fear is paralyzing. Fear is overwhelming. Fear is painful. Yet King David, author of Psalm 27, found resolve and courage through his faith. He remembered that God was his “light and salvation.” The light was the truth of God’s eternal Word. Why was that important? Because no matter what situation David was dealing with (and at several points he was literally on the run for his life), he could 100%, absolutely trust and rely on the promises of God. That light was his guidance in the darkest of situations.
God was also his salvation. No matter what harsh reality life dealt, David felt secure in the knowledge that his soul was saved and sealed by the Creator of the Universe. No person or power on Earth could deny him Heaven. With that understanding, who was there to be afraid of? This is the faith we must all have and strive for, Beloved. We have Jesus, the Light of the world, as our salvation. He gives us the breath of life and eternal life. So, what do you have to fear?
This does not mean we will never have doubts or moments of panic. Just two verses later, David wrote: “Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.” (Psalm 27:3). Trials and tribulation will come in life. Problems are going to feel like they have no solution. You may have lost your job. Your marriage could be on the brink of catastrophe. You might have debts you never imagined. Your friends may have turned on you and you feel like your life is completely falling apart. This is what David experienced over and over again. But he remained confident. Why? It is revealed in verses 4 and 5:
“One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple. For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.”
David knew that the greatest desire of his heart was already granted: to dwell in Heaven with God forever. Eternal life was already his because of his faith in the Messiah. And if he was now a child of God, He knew the Lord would provide a way to make it through any situation. If you believe in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins and know you have eternal life, stand on that promise. God has overcome death itself for you. No earthly trial will defeat you.
Fear and anxiety can make us feel like the whole world is crashing down on us.
When you are afraid, pray. Cry out to God. This was David’s only option in his worst trials:
“And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord. Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me. When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek. Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.”
In these wonderful verses, David pleaded with God to hear him and respond. Do you cry out to your Heavenly Father? Do you give voice to the deepest feelings of your soul in prayer? If not, make time to pour out your hurt and fears and anxiety to God. Pray for Him to hear and respond.
“When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up.”
David’s faith was unwavering. Even if his own mother betrayed him or friends abandoned him, he trusted God would still be there. Do you have this level of faith in our God?
“Teach me thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies. Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.”
To have great faith, learn from The Lord. Study your Bible. Read passages about God’s goodness, mercy and protection. Commit them to your heart in devotion.
“I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.”
Do not let fear overcome you. Be courageous knowing that The Lord who rules all and controls all is with you. Wait on Him and He will give you strength.
Let’s start taking Jesus seriously and letting him speak for himself. Instead of worshiping Christ as Lord, God, Son of God, Redeemer, Savior of the World, etc. we should be following Jesus instead.
Those same exalted titles [Savior, Lord, etc.] were said of Caesar as well. They were carved into the stone buildings and temples and were stamped on the coins everyone used.
Bore da/Good morning
Hi
You are so right about the saying you mentioned that Christians use, they are more Pagan in their origin than Christian, which account for Christianity being 80% Pagan.
Cofion (regards)