God Speaking

“I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.”

(Psalm 34:4)

The world seems to have become a much scarier place since I was a child. Perhaps it might seem that way because news, horrible news, spreads so quickly due to the internet and how everybody is glued to some sort of device that allows immediate access to any breaking news. These last few weeks have been filled with horrific stories of terrorism and killings of innocent people and even though we have just experienced the beautiful season of Christmas, with its message of peace and good will, perhaps we are approaching the beginning of a New Year with an uneasy feeling about what lies ahead for us. This is when we need to stop and remember that we who follow the Lord have the assurance of the Creator of the universe that he is at hand, that any sort of anxiety, fear of the future or trepidation cannot take over us.

Our Heavenly Father knew what power fear has for us mortals and over and over again he assures his children that we do not need to be afraid. His words to Abraham became a familiar greeting when God wished to impart his intent to his beloved children

“…Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” (Genesis 15:1)

What an incredible mental picture is produced by these words. Who could possibly be afraid with the Lord God Almighty standing in front of us shielding us from anything that might harm us?

The beautiful foretelling of the Saviour’s birth also begins with those calming words;

“But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favour with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name, Jesus” (Luke 1:30 – 31)

We can all imagine what was racing through Mary’s mind at those words, but that all important phrase, “Do not be afraid” was sufficient for Mary to accept what the Lord had told her was to happen and then she was able to praise the Almighty God with that amazing song, The Magnificent. (Luke 1:46 – 55)

And when the Saviour is born we hear again those reassuring words coming from Heaven;

“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people.” (Luke 2:10)

So when the terrors of the night consume us and ugly fear overcomes us, this powerful verse is a wonderful one to recite loudly to ourselves, to remind us of who stands in front of us shielding us.

“When I am afraid, I will trust in you, In God whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?” (Psalm 56:3 – 4)