Responding to Fear

“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety” (Psalm 4:8).

How do you respond to fear? Do you run and hide, withdrawing into yourself? Do you try to distract yourself from fear with activities? The correct response to fear is not to surrender to it or to ignore it, but to overcome it with faith in God and absolute obedience to His Word. Scripture tells us, “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit” (Jeremiah 17:7-8).

Many people trace their fears back to a loss of control. We experience fear when the stock market fluctuates. We experience fear when we cannot fix our relationships, health, or careers. So what do we do? We try harder to control the situation. We work long hours to accumulate wealth, in search of financial security. We develop unhealthy jealousy in our relationships. We try every new health fad in search of the fountain of youth. Yet none of these methods brings us contentment or peace.

When we realize that the God who created and redeemed us is still actively working in our lives today, we can find rest in Him, no matter what storm is raging. Jesus told us, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).

When we comprehend that God is in control of our lives and surrender our circumstances to Him, we will find security. “So this is what the Sovereign Lord says: ‘See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic'” (Isaiah 28:16).

Prayer: God, help me to respond to fear with faith in You and obedience to Your Word. Help me to remember that I can rest in You because You are in control. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.