Fear

The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread?
Psalms 27:1

Fear can paralyze us. Sometimes that is good when the danger is real. Fear is bad when coupled with imagination; the small and unlikely becomes large and looming.

I was thinking about the theater shooting on Friday and how a sense of fear and terror of so many what-ifs will become the reality for many.

Should we ban guns or have everyone carry them? Do we need security at movie theaters now? Have all large gatherings of people become a source of anxiety?

When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You. In God, whose word I praise, in God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid. What can mere man do to me?
Psalms 56:3-4

A great confidence Christians can have is knowing that God is bigger and greater than anyone or anything that can touch our lives. We do live in a fallen and broken world so we can be sure that plenty of sorrow will touch our lives. We will not be completely free of the junk of the world but we can know that it can only touch us if God allows it. We don't have to live in fear.

Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
Matthew 10:28

Our focus needs to be on God and being sure that our lives are lived according to his commands. In doing that we will have peace that passes all understanding and bad fear will not rule our lives.

Live with joy,

Philip