Psalms 46-48

Psalms 46-48 - Click to read passage.

FEAR happens to all of us! It can arise within us as the result of so many things that pop up in life. However, fear is not always a bad thing. While it can be debilitating to some, others use it for strength. Even though I've trained over a quarter of million people face-to-face in seminars all across the United States, I still get a little fearful before I speak...even if it's a small group. I've noticed that the little amount of fear I experience causes me to pray harder, rely on God deeper, and allows me to be a little sharper when I speak. I've learned over the years that while fear can be paralyzing at times, it can also be used for tremendous good. What really matters is how you leverage your fear.

King David addresses this very issue. And, I love how he begins Psalms 46. He initiates his song addressing the issue of fear. David wasn't immune to fear. In fact, he feared many things in life. However, he also learned some valuable lessons about fear. That's why he tells us exactly how he deals with fear, and how you should deal with it as well.  Listen to what he says:

"God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!"

It's interesting that David speaks of earthquakes and mountains crumbling. I don't know of anyone who hasn't felt fear in the midst of an earthquake or experienced an adrenaline rush when an avalanche takes place and you're in it's path. What's interesting is that David has learned to control his fear. In fact, he's learned to control it by being reminded of Who's actually in control of his life. It's God!

He's so confident in God, that I find it amusing that David dares the oceans to rage against him. As a scuba diver, I've been in the middle of the ocean with 5 foot waves with a storm moving in and I wouldn't wish that on anyone! But, David knows that his great God is ALWAYS ready to be a refuge and strength in times of trouble.

When fear crops up it's ugly head in your life, where is your faith in God?  Do you see God as an ever-ready Helper in times of trouble? Or, are you running to the nearest friend looking for encouragement, paralyzed with fear over a situation? Can you say, "Ok...let trouble come! My trust is in God!"  Obviously, none of us want trouble, and I don't recommend you begging for trouble - be careful what you wish for, you might get it! But, seriously, where does your faith lie? Is it totally in God's ability to resolve the situation, or in your ability? It's something to think about.

Here's a recommendation - maybe what we need to do is exactly what God recommended to David:

"Be still and know that I am God."

If you're wrestling with fear today, go find a quiet place. Talk to God about your fears, your situation. Begin to worship Him for all the good He's brought into your life and how He's helped you in other tough situations. If you'll do this, along with looking into the Scriptures for guidance and encouragement, you might find your fear dissipating into a calm reliance upon an Almighty, Ever-Present, Loving Heavenly Father! Go ahead! Don't wait! If fear is crippling you - you MUST do this!

In the other two chapters of today's reading, David encourages the reader and listener to praise and enjoy God. Why? Because He is worth of our praise! In fact, David tells us "how" to praise Him:

1. Clap your hands in praise!  What do you do after a great performance?  You clap in appreciation. Don't you think God deserves some hand clapping appreciation? I do! So, clap your hands!

2) Shout to God with joyful praise! Yes, David said "Shout." We do it every time our favorite team hits a home-run, scores a touchdown, and makes a goal. We have no problem shouting (and even acting like wild maniacs) at a baseball, football, basketball, soccer, or hockey game - so why shouldn't we just simply SHOUT in joy about our God?

Think of some things you love about God today. Go somewhere and SHOUT those praises to Him. I've done it many times! It feels good.

3) Praise Him with a song!  The Bible tells us in another passage that God "inhabits the praises of His people." He loves praise and feels very "at-home' with praise. In Heaven, the angels, other heavenly beings, and the saints who've already arrived before us are celebrating in praise constantly before Him. David tells one of the ways we can praise Him is through singing. I'm a horrible singer, but I still like to sing before Him. He probably turns my horrible singing voice into a lovely melody before it hits His ears - LOL.  However, God loves it when you sing songs to Him and about Him.

4) Meditate on His unfailing love!  Meditating is simply taking some time out of your day to reflect and really think about or ponder about God and His amazing love. In our fast-paced world, meditating has become a lost art. While it offers many great health benefits, the best way to use it is in becoming still and mindful of God, and reflecting on His goodness and greatness.

Take some time today to meditate. Block everything out, and take about 10 minutes to just meditate on the good things God has done for you this past week or month. You'll feel better after you do! And, most importantly, God will be praised!