Finding Firm Footing

Fear is overcome by faith. That which we fear can make us forget that which we trusted. Anything in life that is dangerous can bring fear. Whether it be a dangerous hobby such as rock climbing or hang gliding, or dangerous work such as law enforcement or the military, fear of danger is lessened with faith in our equipment and training.

So how do we overcome fear of the unknown? For example, we look across America and see defeat and depravity seemingly ruling the nation. We allow this fear to cause us to make decisions that are biblically indefensible and logically incoherent. How do we get back to our national motto, “In God We Trust?” We remember who God is:

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling.” (Psalm 46:1-3)

For those of you who are followers of Jesus Christ, you no doubt are shaking your head in agreement with the above passage. However, in reality your life does not mirror it. Our workaday worlds derail us from our journey of faith. We see all that is wrong and we try to determine the best way to deal with the problems facing us.

I am a big proponent of dealing with problems. Confronting issues is almost always the best course of action. However, if I am doing so in my own power and wisdom, then I usually make the problem worse. Conversely, if I will seek the Lord’s guidance on anything in life, then I will see the issue with biblical wisdom and act accordingly. My faith must be the foundation of my life, my ever-present reason for living:

“Be my strong refuge, to which I may resort continually; You have given the commandment to save me, for You are my rock and my fortress.” (Psalm 71:3)

How many of us rely on our own ways and wisdom to deal with life? We place unfounded confidence in man and his wisdom, which is a form of humanism. Trusting in ourselves is nothing less than pride. That may come as a surprise to some of you, but if you know that God and His Word is where we find wisdom, and yet trust in yourself, that is indeed a prideful act.

What I am suggesting to you and me is that if Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior, we should always place our trust in Him. Putting my confidence in Christ is how I overcome fear:

“Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; ‘For Yah, the Lord, is my strength and song; He also has become my salvation.’” (Isaiah 12:2)

Beloved, I am not trying to downplay the mess in which our nation finds itself. Our rejection of “the laws of nature and Nature’s God,” that is the Lord Jesus Christ, is why we have fallen so far. The United States of America was founded as a self-governing people, one who would be lawful and guided by biblical principles. I am not suggesting that we follow some nonsensical dominion theology. The reason we have a 1st Amendment is to protect the rights of individuals to worship as they see fit.

Notwithstanding, the majority of our people throughout its history followed biblical principles. Our nation was blessed because of such people and is now declining because those people are exiting the public arena daily. Salt is being replace by decay, and light is being replaced by darkness. That is because people of faith have lost sight of in Whom we first had faith. This is what causes our fear and it should not be so:

“Why should I fear in the days of evil, when the iniquity at my heels surrounds me?” (Psalm 49:5)

I want a heavenly fearlessness so I can look around and ask the same question as the psalmist. I do not want to fear in these days of evil. I want to live my life knowing God is in control and nothing takes Him by surprise. Matthew Henry explains:

“Let those be troubled at the troubling of the waters, who build their confidence on a floating foundation; but let not those be alarmed who are led to the Rock, and there find firm footing.”

Let you and me take each step forward knowing that we are walking on solid ground.

In Christ
Dave
Ps. 37:4

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    Copyright © 2016 David Jeffers

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