Do you have a problem with fear? Many Christians do. We are afraid of conflict, or we are afraid of showing weakness. We are afraid of what the devil might try to do to us and we're afraid that someone might try to take advantage of us. Some people are afraid that they might lose their jobs or their homes. The fear is based on reality—many people have already lost these things. What are we to do about these fears? Should we deny them? Should we confess positive things? Today, let’s stop for a moment and face our fears head-on, as we consider two verses taken from one of the psalms:‪

But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. I praise God for what he has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me?‪ (Psa. 56:3-4 )

One of the reasons I like the Bible is that it always tells us the truth about ourselves. The psalmist doesn't say, “I’ll never be afraid.” No, he says, “I know that there will be times when I will be afraid; but when I’m afraid, I know what to do. I’ll trust God. I’ll trust God's Word in His sure promises.” We often find conflict between two areas inside us. In our emotions, we go through all the feelings of fear, maybe even panic; our fears grip us and we can become completely paralyzed. But there’s another area inside us that can refuse to yield to panic—a part that will not accept what our emotions tell us. It says, “I won’t accept what my emotions make me feel about this situation. I’ll turn to God and find out what the Bible says. And even though I feel fear in my emotions, I will still trust God.” That trust can bring you and me into a place of security, and peace, a confidence that’s much deeper than our emotions. It isn’t based on what we feel; it’s based upon what God has said. Are you struggling with fear right now? Begin to look for what God has promised you in the Bible. Even if you don’t know a specific promise, you can know this: God is faithful, and He has promised never to leave you or forsake you. Here's a practical challenge for you: don't trust God to give you the outcome you want; instead, trust God to know what's best for you. As you embrace God and choose Him over the outcome you hope for, your confidence in Him and in your future will grow…and isn’t that the outcome you really want today?