by Chaplain  Rod Davis
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All scripture references are from The New International Version of The Bible.
The LORD is my light and my salvation-- whom shall I fear? The
LORD is the stronghold of my life--of whom shall I be afraid?
(Psalm 27:1)

What a wonderful declaration; I don't have to be afraid because God
is my stronghold! He's the Light that illuminates my way and shatters
the darkness. He's my deliverer-- my Savor. God is the one who has
taken me to His bosom to love and protect.  No wondered David
said, "Who have I got to fear!"

For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. (Is.41:13)

It has been correctly said that the Bible is full of Fear-nots.  Yet, the
church seems full of fears. Why is that? After all, doesn't the Bible
tell us to "be anxious for nothing"?  Yet still, many of us are down
right fearful! In fact, I've talked with many who seem to be scared out
of their wits! It's most alarming to see believers give in to fear.
Should we be fearful? Obviously not-- considering that Gods Word
admonished to be fear-free.

"But Chaplain Rod," you may be thinking, "These are anxious times.
The economy is going up and down. We're under the constant threat
of terrorism and America is waging a war that's happening on a
global scale. People are buying duct tape to seal their windows, and
many are cleaning out grocery stores and stocking up for fear of the
worst. Things are pretty scary right now."

I'm inclined to agree. Things are very scary right now. Indeed these
are times that try men's souls. However, the pressures of life,
including those brought on by terrorist's threats, should not
overwhelm us with dread but rather, they should drive us into our
prayer closets.

The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will
never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be
discouraged." (Deut.31:8)

The Apostle Paul faced anxiety and often battled fear. He openly
admitted. He said that he had been harassed at every turn-- conflicts
on the outside, fears within.  At one point, he confessed that he had
been under such great pressure that he "despaired even of life."  
Have you ever felt like that? Have you ever despaired of living?! The
great Apostle Paul experienced those emotions. Indeed, we all feel
that way from time to time.

"Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the
world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken." - Jesus (Lu.21:26)

Yet, Paul went on to say, "But this happened that we might not rely
on ourselves but on God."  He say that God was his light and his
salvation. He had learned a valuable lesson over the years while
facing fear, and all the enemies who were seeking to take his life.
Paul could gladly echo the words of David, "The LORD is the
stronghold of my life-- of whom shall I be afraid?'  

Yes, we all face fears form time to time. That's part of life. We can't
always control everything that goes on around us. However, we can
choose, with God's help, how to respond to those things. So you
see, it's your choice. Fear-- It can drive you to despair or lead you to
the Prince of Peace.

When I am afraid, I will trust in you. (Psalm 56:3)

"Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to
give you the kingdom." - Jesus (Lu.12:32)

                      Is there lack of true assurance,
                       Like a broad unguarded hole?
                    Do you need real love to heal you
                         And your suffering soul?
                    Have you heard enough excuses?
                     Do you want to know the truth?
                          My child, I am with you
                           And I will never leave.
  (Trust in Me by Geoff Thurman as recorded by Charles Billingsley)