Afraid

Truth be told, we are all afraid, at least a little bit.

• • A little boy has trouble going to sleep each night; the monsters under his bed are noisy.
  • A songwriter has a file full of original songs destined to stay there, unsung and never heard, each one sounding in the key of failure; the publishers or artists or worship leaders would not like them anyway.
  • A young man loves a young woman and she loves him. Christ-followers both, they deal with successfully the necessary restraints so out of sync with their times.  One of them—it doesn’t matter which one—has seen so much divorce, so many troubled children, and too many broken hearts to end the standoff.
  • A young professional, highly trained, impeccably credentialed, and pleasant in nature, will not confront the boss for a raise; the possible loss of income is terrifying.
  • Another one in another company suffers nightmares because of the destructive mismatch with the company. Politics not productivity is the currency of this corrupt kingdom and politics sickens this one of high ideals.  But no resumes go out.  No inquiries of employment elsewhere are explored.

These grown-ups also have monsters under the bed.

This is nothing new, course. The oldest songs used in the worship of Almighty God are filled with this curious dichotomy:

• • 1. the goodness, glory, and greatness of God, and
    2. the threat of danger, disaster, or dastardly enemies.

The poet in Psalm 56 sums it up nicely: “Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.”

Does any other plan make sense?

We have very real reasons to be afraid.  In a metaphorical sense, there are plenty of monsters under all our beds and desks and car seats and any place else we might try to rest our bones. We have little control over events or the actions of others.  We can be oh so careful and bad stuff still might happen. If we dwell on these things we will drive ourselves over the edge.  We have to trust to the higher powers to see us through each day. For the unbeliever that means trusting to luck, hard work, and the stability of society.

For the Christ-follower it means trusting in a much different set of security sources:

• • • the unlimited grace of God which cannot be depleted by use,
    • the unfailing Word of God which was and is and always will be true and trustworthy,
    • the unchanging character of God which extends love and mercy to all generations,
    • the undefeated power of God which flows to us through the truth of the Gospel, and
    • the unparalleled Spirit of God who is the power of Creation and Resurrection.

We are not objects of chance living randomly in a random universe.

• • • We are the Children of God and joint heirs with Christ, living securely in the world He made for us.
    • We move about this earth with a heavenly squad of angels guarding every turn.
    • We travel in a pool of light when people all around are stumbling in the dark.
    • We have a mission from God and, like the 12 year old Jesus, we must be about our Father’s business.
    • We have learned not to trust the arm of the flesh or people in power.

We have learned these things, not because we are exempt from fearful things, but because when they came our way we trusted God.

When tempted to be afraid, we can simply whisper the name of Jesus, wrap our faith around us like a favorite blanket and go to sleep, knowing there are no monsters under our bed and that tomorrow is in the Master’s hands.

Scriptures:

Psalm 56

Be merciful to me, O God, for man would swallow me up; fighting all day he oppresses me. My enemies would hound me all day, for there are many who fight against me, O Most High. Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.  In God (I will praise His word), in God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me?  All day they twist my words; all their thoughts are against me for evil.  They gather together, they hide, they mark my steps, when they lie in wait for my life.  Shall they escape by iniquity? In anger cast down the peoples, O God!  You number my wanderings; put my tears into Your bottle; are they not in Your book?  When I cry out to You, then my enemies will turn back; this I know, because God is for me.  In God (I will praise His word), In the Lord  (I will praise His word), in God I have put my trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?  Vows made to You are binding upon me, O God; I will render praises to You, for You have delivered my soul from death. Have You not kept my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living?

Isaiah 12:2‑6 BCP

Surely, it is God who saves me; I will trust in Him and not be afraid. For the Lord is my stronghold and my sure defense, and He will be my Savior.

Isaiah 43:1-3 NKJV

But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you.  For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;

Songs of Courage:

Be Strong and Take Courage
Words and Music: Don Moen, 1993

Be strong and take courage. Do not fear or be dismayed,
For the Lord will go before you and His light will show the way.
Be strong and take courage. Do not fear or be dismayed,
For the One who lives within you will be strong in you today.

Why don’t you give Him all of your fears?
Why don’t you let Him wipe away all your tears?
He knows, He’s been through pain before
And He knows all that you’ve been looking for.
Nothing can take you out of His hand.
Nothing can face you that He can’t command.

I know that you will always be in His love,
In His power you will be free!
Be strong and take courage. Do not fear or be dismayed,
For the Lord will go before you and His light will show the way.
Be strong and  take courage. Do not fear or be dismayed,
or the One who lived within you will be strong in you today.

I’m Not Afraid Anymore
Words and Music: J.D. Phifer, 1956

Verse 1
Locked in a prison of fear and of doubt,
I prayed for Jesus to come let me out.
He heart my pleading and unlocked the door.
I’m not afraid anymore.

Chorus
I’m not afraid anymore.
I’ve caught a glimpse of Heaven’s bright shore.
Life does not disturb me  like it did before.
I’m not afraid anymore.

Verse 2
Once in a testing that lasted so long.
I learned a lesson that gave me this song.
Life’s richest blessings are worth waiting for.
I’m not afraid anymore.

Chorus:
I’m not afraid anymore.
I’ve caught a glimpse of heaven’s bright shore.
Life does not disturb me like it did before.
I’m not afraid anymore.

Semper Reformanda!
Stephen Phifer