When you look around you and see what some people are going through, or maybe even yourself, do you feel afraid? When you watch the news or read the newspaper, do you feel your emotions drop into your shoes and maybe even feel a little choked by fear?
Sometimes I wonder if there is any hope left. A reason to believe that something good will happen to me.
It feels so defeating to see all the pain that people have to endure. The reality that some people just have no respect for another’s life. People do not wish well upon anyone else…that whole mindset of “if I am not doing well, the same should apply to you.” There is so little good to read about in the newspapers and all you see is the pain people go through, the embarrasment some cause, the hurt that are being done, all negative and the only thing I can think is, “I hope this never happens to me”.
Today, I would like to share that I actually do believe there is hope and not just any hope, but Jesus-hope!
Bad things happen around us all the time and there may not be much that we can do about it, but what we can do is to prevent it from stealing our peace by not allowing fear to take residence in our hearts.
Every time when fear comes knocking on my door I know I cannot stop it in my own will and strength. I have tried, but I failed. It does not matter how many times I would tell myself to not be afraid and that it will not happen to me, I still feel my chest being clamped by its nasty claws.
It is then that I am reminded, I am covered by the blood of Jesus. The only force that was able to drive out fear from my heart is God’s Word. The chapter I would like to share with you and which I want to challenge you to make it your own is Psalm 91.
Here is what it means to me (I have set out my personal thoughts in brackets):
“Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. (As I spend time with God and have a personal relationship with Him, I rest in His shadow, no danger can then come near me unless first passing by God. It will not prevail against God Almighty).
This I declare about the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. (This is mine to proclaim over my life and to make my own).
For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. (Nothing is beyond God’s reach to protect me. No deadly sickness can reign over me as Jesus in me reigns over it).
He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. (I am camouflaged from danger by His feathers. Dangers will have difficulty finding me. God personally protects me from all dangers under His wings. If I stand on God’s promises, I am protected).
Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day. Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday. (This is a command, do not be afraid).
Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you. Just open your eyes, and see how the wicked are punished. If you make the LORD your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home. (An instruction with a promise for me to take).
For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go. (God will personally command His angels to protect me. It shows me how important I am to God that He would take time out of His busy schedule just for me).
They will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone. You will trample upon lions and cobras; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet! The LORD says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. (God’s promise to me).
When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.”” (God promises that He will answer when I call on Him in need and I will never be alone. Even in my troubles He endures them with me. He will let me come out on the other side in victory and He will give me Jesus!)
When I read these words, I am left with no reason to fear but every reason to have hope. How about you?