What Are You Afraid Of?

Psalm 27

Introduction

What are you afraid of?

Here is an image of the top 10 ten fears people have (courtesy of Google).



Have you experienced something in the image? Can you add something to the image? Spiders do not cause me to fear but the thought of someone I love dying does. We all face different kinds of fears. Many fears are specific to our age or stage in life. The young adults fear of not finding a satisfying job or career gives way to the middle aged parents fear of whether they will be able to pay for education for their children. In the later years the fear shifts again to worrying about retirement. Fear can and will control our lives. For example a fear to commit to a relationship will prevent us from enjoying the benefits and blessings of a life long marriage. Fear of failure will prevent us from taking reasonable risks. Fear is contagious and feeds on itself and grows.

Some Background Information

God's word is full of encouragements for us to replace fear with trust in God. Throughout His ministry Jesus was constantly telling his followers not to be afraid. As I write these words in my study I am looking at a picture on the wall in front of me. It shows the disciples in a boat with a huge storm about to capsize the boat. Despite this danger Jesus is asleep on a cushion in the boat. The disciples are panicking. Jesus wakes up and says, "Why are you so fearful." perhaps you like I have felt that type of fear at a situation and it seems as if Jesus is asleep on the job!

The Psalm can be divided into several parts:
    Verse one sets out the basic theme of the entire Psalm - confidence in the Lord.
    Verses 2-3 mention some general threats that cause fear (we can add our fears to this part)
    Verses 4-6 bring us into the presence of God in the temple, through worhip, prayer, scripture. In the
         presence of God our fears melt away. Everything takes on a different perspective in God's presence.
    Verses 7-12 is a prayer to the Lord for help
    Verses 13 and 14 close the Pslam with the solid confidence in the Lord and the exhortation to wait and
          be strong in Him.

Devotional Ideas

1. Make a list of any fears you have now in your life.
2. Use this Psalm as a prayer and add your fears to the Psalm
3. Consider memorizing this Psalm - I have found great benefit in that.
4. Share this Psalm with someone you know who is in a fearful situation.

Final Thoughts

Psalm 27 is the place to turn when fear threatens us. Put Psalm 27 on speed dial. Just reading it through has a calming effect. Meditating upon it will increase faith and drive out fear. Discussing it with others will deepen its effect on your life.  It is a Psalm of confidence in the Lord. It is definitely a close companion of mine.