I Quit: Week 6 - Monday

But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. Psalm 56:3

When I was young, I was very scared of… washing machines. I know, it's strange. I had a dream one night that my siblings hopped into a washing machine and disappeared forever. I did not tell anyone about my fear for a little while until finally, I confessed to my older brother that I was not scared of a monster under my bed or the dark. I was fearful of washing machines. When I told him, he laughed, of course, then he said, "That doesn't even make sense! Even if the washing machine could make us disappear, we would never actually get into a washing machine." Telling him about my fear and hearing his response was all it took to free me from my fear. I had verbalized my fear and received confirmation that there was no need to fear because the washing machine was not actually a threat. Acknowledging my fear was the first step in finding freedom from my fear. As adults, we have different, often more significant fears than children, whether they are scared of heights, the dark, clowns, or washing machines. We are worried about loss, pain, finances, and so much more. Even still, the first step in finding healing from fear is acknowledging that fear.

We learn in Scripture that King David was never hesitant to acknowledge his fears. In Psalm 56, he wrote about a time when he had been seized by the Philistine army, Israel's enemies. In this passage of Scripture, he acknowledged the threats of His enemies. He began his Psalm by crying out to God, "Have mercy on me…I am constantly hounded by those who slander me, and many are boldly attacking me" (verses 1-2). David was in deep trouble and was overcome by fear. In response to his fear, David acknowledged this fear to God in prayer. He told God about the obstacles he was facing and the threat of his enemies. He did not hide his fear or believe that God did not care about the fears he was facing. Instead, He brought His fears and concerns to God. As he came before God in prayer, David's demeanor changed. He began this prayer begging for mercy from God because of the threats of his enemies. Several verses later, he wrote, "When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You" (verse 3). Bringing his fears before God reminded him to trust God with his fears. As He prayed to God, David declared, "My enemies will retreat when I call to you for help. This I know; God is on my side!" (verse 9). Can you see his peace and confidence in God grow as he prays to God about his worries? This is what happens when we bring our worries before God: we find peace, hope, and confidence in Him. 

What fears are you carrying today? Maybe you fear the loss of a loved one or a financial loss. Perhaps you fear taking a step of obedience because you are unsure of the outcome. Whatever it is that you are fearful of, take time to acknowledge that fear today. When you acknowledge your fears, you are one step closer to finding freedom. 

Moving Toward Action

Find a quiet place to reflect on your Bible reading today. Then, answer the question, "What am I fearful of right now?" Be honest with yourself, with God, and with others about your fears. As you open up about the things you are fearful of, you will begin the journey toward healing and freedom from your fears. 

Going Deeper

Psalm 56:1-13