This is part 3 of a 5-part series. View the entire series here.
But as for me, I will sing about Your power. Each morning I will sing with joy about Your unfailing love. For You have been my refuge, a place of safety when I am in distress. – Psalm 59:16 NLT
My dad is a worst-case-scenario type of person. He lives under the assumption that dangers are around every corner—in parking lots after dark, on highways miles from home, in sports arenas crammed with people. I don’t blame him; as a father and a husband, it’s his primary responsibility to keep his family safe. But for a time when I was a teenager and young adult, I was afraid to do anything on my own, because I had adopted his (admittedly rational) belief that I was never completely safe, no matter what I did or where I went.
This fallen world is full of things that want to harm us—physical dangers, emotional dangers, and spiritual dangers. That’s not a very encouraging thought to wake up to, but it’s an unavoidable reality.
Fortunately, followers of Christ are never without hope, safety, or protection; we find all of those things in God, our good and faithful Father, who promises to be with us when we go through troubles of any kind: “The LORD says, ‘I will rescue those who love Me. I will protect those who trust in My name. When they call on Me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them’” (Psalm 91:14-15 NLT). Isaiah 41:10 says, “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with My victorious right hand” (NLT).
The Bible talks a lot about fear. But how are we supposed to live without fear in a world so full of scary things?
Second Timothy 1:7 says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline” (NLT). First John 4:18 says, “Love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced His perfect love” (NLT). These verses are a reminder that fear is never from God. On the contrary, God wants to replace all of our fears with His perfect, protective love.
God’s protective love covers us physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. When we’re afraid for our physical safety, we can pray that He would shelter us under the shadow of His wings (Psalm 91:1, 5). When we’re emotionally or spiritually distressed, we can pray that His peace would flood our hearts and bring us comfort (Philippians 4:7).
But God’s love doesn’t just protect us, it empowers us to live boldly. It helps us face each day with confidence—despite all the dangers lurking in the shadows—because we know that our eternal safety is secure in Him. God’s love in us is also what strengthens us to love others, even and especially those who are different from us.
As you go into your day today, take refuge in His love. In moments of fear or anxiety, seek the safety of His presence.
Prayer
God, this world is full of dangerous people and dangerous things. I often find myself afraid for my safety or the safety of my family. Please calm my fears and help me to trust that You are watching over me and my loved ones. I know that the future is in Your hands. I’m safe under the shadow of Your wings. Thank You, Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.
