Thought for the Day

The slothful man's movements take him nowhere and accomplish nothing. A comparison is made between a door that swings slowly on its hinges and a person who turns over and over in his bed, but he never leaves it. Laziness, fear, or depression keeps him there. Fear is a cruel master, and the people's fears are many. Some fear death, illness, or losing loved ones. Others fear a car wreck, or that the plane they take may crash or be hijacked. Many fear the future. Others are tormented by a fear of the dark or of being alone. Some fear being molested or raped. Fear is tormenting whatever form it takes, driving some people to act foolishly and even incapacitate them because they are ruled by their fears.

Fear is the opposite of faith. There is only one way we can live without fear in a world of turmoil, war, and uncertainty - that is, to trust the One who told us not to be troubled or fearful. The Lord calls us to trust Him and walk in faith. The devil continually tries to make us do the opposite; to be afraid and doubt God. Only through His power can we walk in peace and safety. We must give our lives completely to Him and yield to His will. Making a total commitment to God means giving Him first place in every area of our lives - our time, our money, our careers, our families, and our futures. Those who entrust themselves to Him in this way will never be shaken in the day of trouble. "He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD" (Psalm 112:7).

The Bible speaks of our times as the "last days," during which there will be great trouble. "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come" (2 Timothy 3:1). Instead of overcoming fear, many will be overcome by fear. "And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken..." (Luke 21:25-26).

Fear is a horrible monster no matter what form it takes. We can ask God to deliver us and give us the courage to overcome whatever frightens us. Fear and weakness should have no power over a Christian, for "God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7). "Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompense; he will come and save you" (Isaiah 35:3-4).