“… Blessed are those who fear the Lord,
who find great delight in his commands… Surely the righteous will never be
shaken; they will be remembered forever. They will have no fear of bad news;
their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord. Their hearts are secure, they
will have no fear; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes.”1
At times it feels as though the earth
is shaking around us. Everything seems unstable and the uncertainty can lead to
feelings of anxiety and insecurity. There is no novelty in the uncertain state
of the world. Since Bible times, the people of God have often found themselves
in difficult situations and many experienced the same fears and anxieties we
feel.
The psalmist in today’s scripture discovered
how to respond to these situations and not be shaken. It all begins with a
change in our attitude and focus. When we obsess on the worries, problems, and
uncertainties around us, fear and anxiety are almost inevitable responses. However,
when we change our focus to God, spend time in His Word, and draw closer to Him
through prayer and worship, He calms our fear and replaces it with hope and
peace.
When we live free from fear, trusting
the Lord and being steadfast in Him, we can give freely to those around us and
be ready to serve God where needed.
Suggested prayer: Dear God, fear and anxiety
are common responses that often times sneak in when times get tough. Help me trust
you always, knowing that the heart of the righteous is secure in you. I can
stand strong and not be shaken because you are my Lord. Thank you for hearing
and answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Psalm 112:1, 6-8 (NIV).