“When I am afraid I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I trust, in God I trust. I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?” Psalm 56:3-4

I like how he puts it here, “when I am afraid.” All of us face fear at some point. Over and over scripture tells us not to be afraid, yet we are. Perhaps here we see how to respond to fear.

Considering the picture in the text I am reminded of a scene that takes place in almost every home. Something bad happens. Maybe a parent gets sent off to war. Perhaps illness comes to a child. Is the hurricane approaching? In all of these I can see a young child afraid and perhaps crying. And what comforts that child? What stops the tears? You guessed it. Mom or dad holds the child close and tells the child, “don’t be afraid. I am here.” And that child draws close to mom or dad and finds the strength to go on.

Now in this picture we see how to face our fears. Another scripture says, “draw near to God and he will draw near to you.” Like that mom or dad above God comforts his own. “I am here,” he says. “Don’t be afraid. You will get through this.” Then peace comes as you focus on the fact that God’s got this. Sure you don’t know what will happen next, but God does and so you turn to him and draw near.

See his open arms this morning. He loves you. He says to you and I, “do not be afraid.” Take a breath. Calm down. God’s got this. Trust him with the whole mess.

These morning meditations written by Christian believer and author, Patricia Hawkins, who offers these meditations for your personal edification. You may contact Patricia at prayerpartnerpat@gmail.com.