First published on 5th January 2007. Updated edition
Ps 27: 1-14- The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?…
A sign – one of the prophecies that relates to this time of distress is found in the book of Luke. It is written, “… men’s heart failing them from fear and expectations of those things which are coming on the earth…” Lk 21:26.
Recall some of the fearful events that have plagued our day- terrorism is on the increase and a ‘noble’ cause among the perpetrators, and earthquakes in different parts of the world. Cancer of all kinds is claiming more people than ever; communal clashes in different parts of Nigeria and the world at large; wars and threats of war, increase in kidnapping etc. Many parts of the world are far too dangerous to live in than some years ago. People are fleeing- ‘JAPA’ syndrome it is tagged in Nigeria. People are afraid; fear is everywhere, and everywhere men are, those who submit to fear are tormented by its sting. Can one be free? Is there a way one cannot be touched by this terrible, unseen force?
Settled fact– vs 1- the first thing the Psalmist established in dealing with the problem of fear as he encountered it was to declare and affirm, ‘the Lord …” To recognize and confess, with deep conviction of the Word of God, that there is one who is more real and powerful than fear itself is the beginning of freedom. Many are quick to magnify their experiences more than they see the Lord. This is the problem with many, even Christians, and that to the delight of the deceiver, who would never want us to come to the truth concerning our situation. As long as we are looking in the wrong direction, we can never be free from the oppression of ‘Mr. Fear’.
Who is the Lord to you? A distant somebody, a phantom, a police officer, a fearful and unapproachable Lord etc? An incorrect knowledge of God is a tool in the hand of the Devil to keep you perpetually bound. So also, is perverted knowledge. Our understanding of God must be correct. The Bible says a man who understands God rejoices. Do you know God correctly? Do you know Him at all? Are you carrying a perverted knowledge of God around the town? This is the foundation for total deliverance from the oppressive Mr. Fear. What you know of God becomes your declaration and stand in the face of life struggles.
Surrounded by fear vs 2-3- to deny the fact that we have reasons to fear is deception. The Bible did not say we should deny the reality of fear working around us, how we deal with it is crucial. The Psalmist identified the causes of fear around him.‘…When the wicked came around me to eat my flesh’, ‘when an army encamps around me…’ Brothers and Sisters, what is making your heart fear? What are those things that are unsettling your nerves? Don’t deny that they are there. Even if or when you do deny them, they are still there. Unemployment, job insecurity, growing moral decadence, ever increasing corruption, wickedness arising from self-centeredness, greed and covetousness, murder, failing health services, lack of trust, uncertain future etc. You may know more of these than I do. These cannot be exhausted.
Are you like David surrounded by false witnesses, opposers, or there is a gang up against you? Did some strong supporters or family members forsake you? These are realities that people face, moment by moment, and the question on many minds is “How will I go through?” You will come through in Jesus’ name. AMEN!