No Need to Fear

Tuesday, July 27th, 2010

Today's Passage: Psalm 103
Memory Verses: Ps. 103: 2 and 16

Every now and then, I sit and watch the television show, "Monk", and laugh at the many hangups of an otherwise successful detective.  But there is a reality show, "Obsessed", which  involves the lives of people who are obsessed with some behavior or other.  Some may be hoarders, others obsessive-compulsive, and still others might struggle with drug abuse.  Therapists who attempt to help them go back to a time when something traumatic occurred in the life of the obsessed person.  Both the obsessed and their theapists agree that these "irrational fears" cause them to perform ritualistic behaviors in order to control or prevent bad things from taking place in their lives.

It's amazing to me how, with all the technology that's available, many people still don't know that there is a God Who loves them so much that He protects and covers them -- even when bad things do happen.  I believe this has been the enemy's plan all along -- from the first act of passing a law that would take prayer out of schools, to trying to stop any talk of God at all in a classroom.  When children are exposed to God, they are not only exposed to His laws.  They are also exposed to His love, and the security that comes with knowing Someone bigger than themselves is in control.  Unfortunately, when there is no mention of God, the opposite happens.  And this is where the enemy comes in.  He's free to torment those who haven't heard that God loves them and cares about what happens to them.  Thoughts of fear and insecurity prevail, and they develop these habits in an unsuccessful attempt to control tragedy.

The reality of life is that tragic things do happen.  As a result of disobedience and sin, the enemy has managed to wreak havoc in the lives of God's children -- then he goes one step further and tells them that it's because God doesn't care about them.  But today's passage confirms not only that God cares, but that He rewards us with peace and security.  The first two verses of this psalm describe the confidence of someone who has a personal relationship with the God of the universe.  Part of being totally devoted is trusting that He knows what He's doing, and being okay with not knowing all the answers, especially since we know the Person Who does.

You may not have fears as irrational as Mr. Monk and others, but there may be one or two areas where the enemy is trying to shake your faith in God.  Take the time today to read and re-read this psalm.  Write down all the promises God has made to you, and meditate on each one until every fear has been replaced with the assurance of His peace.  After watching all the wasted time and meaningless physical motions people with OCD go through, isn't it awesome to know that all we have to do is KNOW God's promise, and then just REST in it? 

Prayer: Father, thank You for providing a place for me under Your shadow.  I will say of You today that You are my refuge and my fortress, my God in Whom I will trust.  I will not be afraid of terrors by day or arrows by night.  Even if situations arise outside of my control, help me remember that NOTHING catches You by surprise.  I walk in Your peace in Jesus' Name.  Amen.