Whom Shall I Fear?

1 I lift up my eyes to the hills—
where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The LORD watches over you—
the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.
7 The LORD will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;
8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore. Psalm 121 NIV

Sometimes it is the little things in life that enlighten me to just how quickly I can succumb to fear. Just the other day, I was driving to my evening Wilton II class when I noticed a rather large cargo type airplane flying low. I couldn’t help but notice as it seemed rather odd to see such a large plane flying at that low of an altitude. As I turned down a street that headed towards the backside of JoAnn’s, I noticed the plane traveling and perhaps circling in the area of town I was headed. I suddenly became consumed with thoughts from 9/11. Could this be happening again? Why is this plane flying so low over the mall area?

Those thoughts and the irrational fear thankfully didn’t last too long. After my initial flood of thoughts subsided I realized just how easily I gave into those fears — even for those few minutes.

See, I really should have known better. The area of Florida I live is in a direct flight path to a major Air Force Base. Although I had not seen such a big plane flying so low before, I do see all kinds of jets, cargo planes and other military aircraft flying overhead often. Seriously, on a clear day, I can step in my backyard and see the Space Shuttle when it takes off from the other coast! I should be used to this. I was still unaware of just how much the events of 9/11 molded my thinking of airplanes – anytime I see something I think may be “abnormal” – I get afraid.

Yet when I reflect back on these verses in the book of Psalm, I am reminded of God’s sovereignty. It is like the song from Casting Crowns, “Whom shall I fear? I am Yours.” It is easy to be caught up in the troubles of this world and allow our fears to dictate our course of direction. Even today, how many of us are fearful because of the state of the economy? How many of us have decided to save our economic stimulus rebates instead of spending them? How many of us have started gathering rice or canned vegetables because of the high cost of food. How many of us have traded our Suburban type SUVs for more fuel efficient cars because of the high cost of gas? Yes, some of these things may be wise decisions. However, it is when we act out of pure fear rather than wise planning that we put God back into a box and take control of our lives instead of trusting in God’s amazing sovereignty.

Bad things are simply going to happen in this world. It is a fact of life. 9/11 was a terrible day in our history. Hurricane Katrina. The Tsunami. The genocide in Dafar. The cyclone that just hit Myanmar. The China earthquake.

Just this week a beloved Pastor in our community and his 13 year old son were killed when their plane crashed in the mountains of North Carolina. His wife is left to raise their remaining five children without her husband and without one of her sons. The church congregation is left to mourn and move on. I know many who attend this church. My church is a “church plant” from this church. We all feel the incredible loss. As these events unfolded Tuesday, I was again taken with fear. What if it was me losing my husband and child? How could I cope? Could I trust in God in such an unimaginable situation?

The list is never ending. That is when I have to trust that nothing takes God by surprise! Believing God is still in control can help us manage our fear in a godly manner even in those dark days. Nothing can happen that has not passed through Him first. And while we may not even begin to understand His reasoning, we can be certain of the fact that He has not allowed things to slip beyond His control. God’s amazing love and mercy is abundant and I have to learn to trust Him and walk by faith in those dark days. I belong to Him, he is my help and the Maker of Heaven and Earth. Whom shall I fear?

Dear Heavenly Father, Lord You are my help, my sheild and my strength. Please help me to lean on you when I am afraid and trust in your utmost control and sovereignty in every situation. Lord, I lift a special prayer to you today for the Pollock family and the church that You would be their comfort in this dark time. Give ease to their breaking hearts and direction for the family and church. Help us to remember that in all things, you are Lord. In your precious and holy name, Amen.

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