Dear Brother and Sister Veterans...

No More Fear

Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord." (Psalm 27:14)

Psalm 27 reminds us that we all, at one time or another, face uncertainty. It isn't an issue of if we face it but when we face it and how we respond to it.

Fear is never a good motivator. First Samuel 13 tells the story of what happened to King Saul when he gave in to fear.

In this story, King Saul went to war with the Philistines. The prophet Samuel instructed him to wait for an appointed time, at an appointed place, saying that he would join King Saul at Gilgal to make burnt offerings to the Lord (1 Samuel 10:8). Unfortunately, as the time for Samuel to arrive at Gilgal arrived, King Saul began experiencing fear because his people at Gilgal began to leave. The Philistine army, which had assembled nearby, added to the king's anxiety. Consequently, King Saul gave in to his fear and inappropriately offered burnt offerings to the Lord. As a result of King Saul's foolish and fearful behavior the Lord reappointed the throne to a man after His own heart - the shepherd boy David.

Psalm 27 is King David's response to fear. He begins Psalm 27, "The Lord is my light and my salvation so why should I be afraid?" and concludes, "Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord."

This powerful passage tells us to do three things when facing fear: wait for the Lord, be brave and (again) wait for the Lord. The Amplified Bible translates it, "Wait and hope for and expect the Lord; be brave and of good courage and let your heart be stout and enduring. Yes, wait for and hope for and expect the Lord."

This isn't a simple recipe that you work through in an afternoon. This is a matter of learning to see God as God. It is a holy journey that ends in recognizing who He is. It is powerful act. You are not accepting your situation or resigning to a life of powerlessness. No, God is still working. He will still direct you in your need, but as you keep your eyes on Him, you will be in a better frame of mind to hear and obey Him.

If you are afraid and don't know where to turn, implement this passage in your life. Begin to pray about your problem and ask for godly wisdom as you immerse yourself in God's Word, reading it and meditating on it continually. Trust Him to protect you and work on your behalf. Listen to His Holy Spirit. Let God transform your heart through the process, so that you can live without being afraid. God doesn't want you to live with fear. He wants you to be free, so you can live your life with hope and passion for Him.

This Week, when fear raises its head, focus on God's goodness and faithfulness. Remind yourself of all the ways the Lord has been faithful to his people and to you personally.

Prayer

"Lord, you are a strong tower. I run to you and am safe. I know that I can bear all things by your grace. Even though I may feel afraid, I know that I am a conqueror and fear does not control me because I am yours."

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God Bless America…

If you need help please contact me at Vetslert@aol.com

God bless you, and all that you love,
Chaplain John O'Shea Capt.
US Army (Retired)