Whom Shall I Fear?
Today’s Verse:
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? ~Psalm 27:1
As I write this devotional, the world is experiencing a pandemic known as COVID-19. This virus attacks the respiratory system and, if not dealt with quickly, it will be fatal. Each day, there is a large increase of newly-confirmed cases. The medical system is overwhelmed with the people being tested and treated. The public at large is afraid of being infected. Fear is seen in the panic buying and hoarding that people are doing. It is seen in the eyes and manner in how people are acting. What do you do when these fears are all around us? David shows us that we have nothing to fear.
We see the foe.
“When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh…. Though an host should encamp against me… though war should rise against me….” David identified his enemies as those who wanted to consume and destroy him. When you are outnumbered, outwitted, and overwhelmed, you are filled with fear. We fear losses. We fear the loss of health, loss of a job, loss of finances, loss of family, and loss of life. The greatest foe is fear. Fear is an iron vise that squeezes confidence out of us. Fear paralyzes us and keeps us from making good decisions. Fear is torment. Fear results in loss of appetite and loss of sleep. Fear leads to depression and becomes a stronghold on our thinking. The devil has declared war on all of us through fear. What are your fears?
We see the fact.
“The LORD is my light and my salvation…. The LORD is the strength of my life.” Let us see the fact. First, there is the fact of Who God is. David made three strong, factual proclamations. “The LORD is my light.” God gives us light in our darkest moments. It might be dark, but the Lord is my Light. His Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. There is no darkness where God’s light cannot penetrate and shine. Second, there is the fact of where God is. God is on His throne. He reigns from on high. There is nothing that He cannot see or is unaware of. Third, there is the fact of what God is doing. The Lord is the strength of my life. He enables us. He equips us. He reinforces us. He encourages us. He gives us courage as our strength. He gives us resolve for our strength.
We see the faith.
“Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.” David had confidence in God’s attributes, God’s ability, and God’s answer. Our faith is the victory that overcomes the world. Our faith is taking confidence in God rising up and keeping charge over His people. David had faith in God! He had faith that with God, he had the majority. He had faith that God takes care of His children. He had faith that God fights for us. He had faith that the enemy would be defeated. He had faith that God answers prayer. For many of us, we talk about faith, but we know little about faith. Faith is trusting God alone.
Thus, David proclaimed, “Whom shall I fear?” and, “Of whom shall I be afraid?” We must not allow the fear of man to paralyze us. Look to Jesus as your Light, salvation, and strength.
Have a faith-inspired God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Judges 19-21