Fear is something that a lot of us deal with, but the Bible is very clear about how we are to handle this emotion—We are to endeavor to be strong & courageous, even in the face of fear. It’s what we DO in the face of our fears that inevitably determines our outcome. Do we shrink back, or do we seek the LORD?
King David, who wrote Psalm 23 said, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.” He set his heart to trust God and not to be afraid.
King Jehosephat (this great story is found in 2 Chronicles 20) was in a harrowing situation where 3 enemy armies were enclosing upon Judah and it says in v. 3, “Jehosephat was afraid and he set his face to seek YHVH.” He was afraid…AND, what did he do? He set his face to seek YHVH. This chapter goes on to tell of all the ways the Jehosephat called the people to great acts of faith & obedience to God’s commands, and how He answered them mightily with deliverance.
The final example I’ll use today is found in 1 Peter 3:5-6, “For in the past, the holy women who put their hope in God also beautified themselves in this way, submitting to their own husbands, 6 just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. You have become her children when you do what is good and are not frightened by anything alarming.” There are absolutely things in this life that will alarm us, things that are dreaded, unwelcomed and scary…yet we can choose whether we fear those things or fear God.
Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded (James 4:8).
Trust in YHVH, the LORD, He will not fail you!
When something frightening or uncertain happens, what is your natural first response—and what could it look like for you to “set your face to seek the LORD YHVH” instead?
When you notice fear rising this week, pause before reacting. Take a breath, pray, and intentionally “set your face” toward the LORD—then ask: What would faithful obedience to the Father look like right now?