IN FEAR'S GRIP

“I cried to the Lord and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears." (Psalms 34:4)

I had just dozed off for a peaceful nap when a blood-curdling scream jolted me awake. My six-year-old grandson Jeb was playing in our backyard and found an exposed wire. Like most curious boys, he grabbed hold, but then discovered he couldn't let go. Hearing Jeb scream, I raced out the back door, and shoved him on the chest, knocking him clear. Other than a few blisters on his hand, Jeb was unharmed, but he learned a valuable lesson about respecting electricity. And I learned a valuable lesson about not leaving exposed wires within the reach of a six-year-old.

Ever grab hold of something and you can't let go? Among other things, fear can paralyze us much like an exposed wire. Once fear gets us in its grip, it’s hard to let go. Our minds obsess on our worries, as we toss and turn at three AM, our psyches reeling with a host of exaggerated fears. Like Jeb, no matter how hard we try, we can’t shake it. In fact, the more we attempt to fix our troubles in the middle of the night, the more overwhelming they appear.

Know which command occurs most often in the pages of scripture? "Fear not." Think about it. God wouldn't direct us to forsake fear unless it was possible to live free from it. But we can't accomplish this by our own will-power. Only God's strength can free us. In Psalm 34:4 David declares, “I cried to the Lord and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears." When we find ourselves in fear’s grip, like Jeb we need a “push” from an outside force. Jesus possesses the power to deliver us from all our fears. Focus on Him, seek Him, and as Jeb did, cry out and he will run to us with the help we need. It's so wonderful, it's shocking!

• What are the greatest fears that trouble me?

• When do I allow my fears to get the best of me?

• How can I trust God when I face fear?

Almighty God, in the midst of fear, remind me to look to you and trust in your power to deliver me.