DO NOT FEAR
TEXT:
"Wherefore should I fear in the days of evil," (Psalms 49 verse 5, King James Version).
There are generally bad times the world over. These are times of trouble, trouble from global economic downturn, trouble from climate change, trouble from unprecedented spike in evil and wickedness, trouble from wars and the effects of war, etc. The Contemporary English Version puts it succinctly thus,
“Why should I be afraid in times of trouble, ... "
Naturally, times of trouble should produce fear. No doubt, the current times are evil. But from the Scripture reading for today, the Psalmist had no reason to fear in times of trouble, though he's surrounded by the most vicious of his enemies. What's responsible for his undaunted posture? Of course, it's about his trust in the Lord and on His ability to keep him from evil.
In this regard, Psalms 91 readily comes to mind. The words of Psalms 91 speak of safety and freedom from fear for the one that abides under the shadow of the Almighty. It says,
"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust." (Psalms 91 verses 1 to 2).
The "secret place of the Most High" is the place of intimacy with God. It is through the place of intimacy with God that we come to know Him, His worth and ability. Such knowledge of God banishes fear and produces trust in place thereof. In other words, like the Psalmist, for you to be able to ask "Wherefore should I fear in the days of evil," your trust and confidence in the Lord would have been developed and strengthened through your intimacy with Him.
One of the results of intimacy with God is that you come to understand His love and care for you. With regards to love, the Bible says that "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment." (1st John chapter 4 verse 18). God is Love and our relationship with Him has love as its basis. If we are to not fear in the days of evil, we must take time to engage the Lord in an intimate relationship, so that we may know Him in all His aspects, particularly His deep love for us coupled with His profuse and bountiful ability to keep us from evil.
The Bible reveals the Lord to us. Having an intimate relationship with the Lord is borne out of having an intense and consistent recourse to God's Word in fellowship for daily guidance and counsel. This appears to be the most viable way to build our faith and trust in the Lord in order not to fear in the days of evil. The bottom line is that we do not fear in the days of evil because of our knowledge of God's ability and willingness to stand with us at such moments.
PRAYER:
Lord, help me to develop an intimate relationship with You strong enough to banish my fear in the days of evil, in Jesus name.