“It is not our trust that keeps us, but the God in whom we trust who keeps us.”
Oswald Chambers
How do you handle fear? Do you run away or run to the pantry? Do you immerse yourself in a hobby or sweat if off through exercise? Or do you put your trust in God like King David did?
Even though David was being chased by King Saul and was seized by his enemies, the Philistines, David still placed his trust in God. “When I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?” (Psalm 56:3-4)
I can picture David trying to talk himself out of fear by telling himself the truth. To overcome the fear he was feeling, David tried to talk truth to his senses. He may not even have fully bought into that trust, but as he spoke the words aloud, he began to believe them. He wasn’t in denial about his fear, in fact, he confessed it. But he didn’t stay stuck there. He told himself what to do when he was afraid…to trust in God and not in himself or man to rescue him. We’re encouraged in Proverbs 3:5 to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight.”
It’s always easier to place your trust in those whose character is known. So why can we trust God? God reveals His character to us through His various names. God is known as El Elyon, the Most High God, which designates Him as the sovereign ruler of the universe. He can deliver our enemies into our hands, just like He did for Abraham in Genesis 14:20. Knowing God has control over all things, replaces fear in my heart with peace.
God is El Roi, the God who sees, and is omnipresent. Nothing takes God by surprise for He is present and is aware of all things. God sees what is causing you to become fearful. He saw how Hagar was mistreated by her mistress Sarai in Genesis 16 and He encouraged her heart. Knowing God sees my struggles replaces fear in my heart with comfort.
Jehovah-Jireh is another name for God. It speaks to the aspect of God’s character as the one who provides. In Genesis 22 God gives Abraham a lamb to sacrifice in place of his son Isaac. God proved Himself to be Jehovah-Jireh when He provided family and friends to come to my aid while my wrist was out of commission for four months. Knowing God as my provider replaces fear in my heart with rest.
My God is Jehovah-raah, the Lord my Shepherd. Psalm 23:1 declares this truth, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.” David knew his God like sheep knows their shepherd. God protected and took care of David as a shepherd cares for his sheep. II Samuel 22:31 says, “As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is tried: He is a buckler to all them that trusts in Him.” A buckler is “a small round shield held by a handle at arm’s length” or it’s “one that shields and protects.” Knowing God as my shepherd replaces fear in my heart with contentment.
James Dobson says, “Trust involves letting go and knowing God will catch you.” Last week I made a list of the things I feared and needed to let go of by placing them in my Father’s hands. Knowing who God is along with His attributes calms those fears. I am able to trust God because He’s I control, He sees my struggles, He provides, and takes good care of me. Therefore, in God I trust.
“The more we depend on God, the more dependable we find He is.”
Sir Cliff Richard
Relevant Reflections:
1. Make a list of your current fears.
2. What attribute of God can you place next to those fears in order to help you place your trust in Him?
3. Where do you need to let go and watch God catch you?