On May 22, 2017, Salman Ramadan Abedi detonated a shrapnel-laden homemade bomb at the exit of Manchester Arena in Manchester, England. Twenty-three adults and children were killed, and 250 were injured.
Less than two weeks later, seven people were killed and almost fifty injured after a van drove into pedestrians on London Bridge, and attackers stabbed shoppers in Borough Market.
Thankfully, few of us will ever experience a terrorist attack, but less-dramatic events can also make us feel frightened and anxious. These are natural responses during a crisis or a stressful challenge, even for strong Bible-believing Christians.
Being afraid when your spouse is talking about leaving, when you’re about to be interviewed for a must-have job, or when you take that must-pass calculus final is natural. And who wouldn’t fear being bullied at school or contracting a life-threatening disease?
This psalm speaks to me when I struggle with fear. But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. The words when I am are especially meaningful. They remind me that admitting I’m afraid isn’t the same as confessing a lack of faith. On the contrary, recognizing our fear and being honest with God about our emotions help us admit how much we need Him.
Being afraid doesn’t necessarily mean we’re weak Christians. Life is filled with challenges and causes for anxiety and fear. It’s what we do when we’re afraid that defines our faith.
Putting our trust in God enables us to take the weight of our situation off our shoulders and place it onto His. As we lean on His wisdom, power, and goodness, we’re able to handle life a little better.
We may still experience fear even when we practice putting our trust in God—especially when our circumstances involve those we love. Thankfully, there is no limit to how often we can go to God and say, “Father, I’m really scared. Please help me trust in You.”
When things or people frighten you, place your trust in God. He is more than able to carry your burdens.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)
(For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)
Sheryl Boldt serves as a Faith/Church guest columnist for several Florida newspapers including The Tallahassee Democrat and The Wakulla News. She also emcees Wave 94’s, “Sheryl Shares,” radio program. Visit Sheryl’s blog at www.TodayCanBeDifferent.net.