Sometimes we feel we’re not king of the world material.
We have strengths and weaknesses. We can become fearful regardless of how hard we try. We feel lost, hopeless, and incapable of handling life’s toughest challenges alone.
In 2 Kings, King Nebuchadnezzar’s dominion was nearly global. He was the closest in human history to being king of the world. He thought himself to be a god and worthy of worship. He believed he was unbeatable, yet the Lord brought him to a humiliating realization (Daniel 4:25–35). He was no match for the power of God.
The psalmist reminds us of our three weapons to fight against fear and despair: light, salvation, and a stronghold.
First, salvation means victory is secure. When we despair, we can remind ourselves that God is at our side in the battle. He is our already victor. We will win because he is our salvation. Although we must fight the battle, victory is secure in Christ. This is a great comfort when we fear.
Second, God is our light. Truths unseen by an unbelieving world are manifested to us through our redemption. God gives us the light to know and discern the truth about our Savior. Because of new life in Christ, we know, understand, and believe His promises, particularly that we have nothing to fear. What a great truth to defeat fear.
Third, our stronghold is a divine shield that surrounds us. A spiritual fortress protects us. It does not prevent our participation in the battle but protects us from destruction. When we feel consumed by hardship, defeated, and utterly powerless, remember that as a redeemed child of God, we remain within the strongest hold of God. We have nothing to fear.
“Lord of hosts” appears 261 times in Scripture. The title means the Lord has the entire angelic force at His command. This is the stronghold.
God equips us to defeat fear when we feel the heat of battle, regardless of what it is. He is our salvation, light, and stronghold.
How can you live a fearless life?
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Bill Branks is a pastor and writer who lives in Detroit, Michigan. He has been pastoring in the inner city for eighteen years, writes about his experiences in the city, and draws biblical applications and devotions from this journey. You can read more at billbranks.substack.com.