Today’s Encouragement is Psalm 56:3-4 NLT But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. I praise God for what he has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me?
David writes that he IS afraid, he’s writing while still IN his fear… His enemies are, right now, attacking him (v1-2)! It’s not imaginary; his fear is real!
But as he so often does in Psalms, he then speaks (writes) to himself, to his own heart… as if he is saying to himself, “I’m really afraid right now! But I know God has promised to care for me, so I am going to choose to turn my back on fear, and instead choose to trust Him rather than continuing to be afraid.”
Cowering in fear, dreading the worst, imagining the terrible things that await you… is living IN fear.
As believers we can choose to stay IN it… but we can also choose to turn our minds, our thoughts towards God and His power, love and protection… and turn away from fear. Our circumstances may not change, but our hearts can change!
My friend, this same decision, this choice, is ours in all situations! As believers, we can choose what we focus our minds upon!
Fear, anxiety, worry, doubts, distrust, illness, are very real… for all people. But for believers, faith, hope, trust, confidence, peace, and contentment from God are also realities. And as God’s own adopted and dearly loved people, we are allowed to choose where we fix our minds, our thoughts… (Colossians 3:1-2).
Father, we thank You for setting us free from the power of fear, sin, addictions, and death, and for giving us the choice of Freedom.
You are my Hiding Place
Selah
Today’s Encouragement 