Psalm 27:1 – The Lord is my light and my salvation — so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? (NLT)

I dropped the pan on the floor and was rewarded with a loud scream.

When our son was an infant, I was concerned that his hearing had been affected by ear infections. Rather than take him to the pediatrician, I decided to perform a home test. As my wife sat at the kitchen table with him cuddled in her arms, I dropped a heavy pan. His screams reassured us that his hearing was okay.

Humans are born with two innate fears: falling and loud noises. I saw the second in my son; I witnessed the first in my grandson. After he started walking, I noticed that he hesitated when approaching a ledge or when he got too close to the edge of a chair or the couch. I didn't have to say, "Watch out; you'll fall." He naturally knew that something was different.

I'm sure that David was frightened by many things, but he had the sense to know that he shouldn't be. God saved him from lions, bears, enemies, and a jealous king. He gave light to his path and was like a protective wall.

If I was born with only two fears, I've accumulated a ton more: fear of those who can harm me physically, fear of financial failure, fear of relationship demise, fear of not being loved, fear of emotional abuse, fear of unemployment, fear of depleted retirement savings. But I'm reminded of what Paul told Timothy: "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." (2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV)

Fears seem to come naturally in my human experience, but if I'm created with only two, they shouldn't. As with David, experience should teach me that I can depend on God for salvation and protection. He has saved me from the greatest fear that I could ever have: having to spend an eternity apart from Him to pay for my sins. Even if my life were taken by others, my soul would be secure.

I can also depend on Him to guard my steps daily. I may incur sicknesses — even life-threatening diseases — but He provides ultimate protection. Since the imperishable part of me is safe in His arms, I can live without fearing the other things that assault me during my life's journey.

Don't live with a spirit of fear, when God says, "Fear not."

Prayer: Father, we thank You for allowing us to live life free of fear. Amen.

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About the author:

Martin Wiles <mandmwiles@gmail.com>
Greenwood, South Carolina, USA
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