August 6
Ezra 3:1-4:23; 1 Corinthians 2:6-3:4; Psalm 28:1-9; Proverbs 20:24-25
Fear can be crippling. When we are afraid we find ourselves shrinking back and feeling like our stomach is in knots. That is how the Israelites felt as they returned to Jerusalem. They were surrounded by hostile people who wanted to see them fail in their mission. Rather than allowing their fears to determine their decisions they chose to respond in faith and obedience. Ezra 3:3 says, "Despite their fear of the peoples around them, they..." The key word in this sentence is despite. The Israelites acknowledged their fear, but it would not keep them from doing what God had called them to. No matter what you have gone through or are currently experiencing, fear should not be the defining reality of our lives. When we feel afraid, we need to remind ourselves of the greater reality of our God. Psalm 28 does this perfectly. David reminds us that God is our Lord, rock, helper, strength, shield, and fortress. David was surrounded by fierce enemies but knew he had a more powerful and greater God. No matter what we face God is greater, and God is with us. 1 Corinthians 2-3 tells us that this great God is present with us through his Spirit. The Holy Spirit’s power, wisdom, and presence are available to us as his children. So let us make God, and not fear, the defining characteristic of our lives.
God, my Father, thank you for who you are. Thank you for your greatness and power. Thank you that in you I don't have to live by fear, but instead can live by faith in you. Help me to trust in you today. Amen.
Question of the day: What characteristic of God from Psalm 28 is the best antidote for your fears?
Fear can be crippling. When we are afraid we find ourselves shrinking back and feeling like our stomach is in knots. That is how the Israelites felt as they returned to Jerusalem. They were surrounded by hostile people who wanted to see them fail in their mission. Rather than allowing their fears to determine their decisions they chose to respond in faith and obedience. Ezra 3:3 says, "Despite their fear of the peoples around them, they..." The key word in this sentence is despite. The Israelites acknowledged their fear, but it would not keep them from doing what God had called them to. No matter what you have gone through or are currently experiencing, fear should not be the defining reality of our lives. When we feel afraid, we need to remind ourselves of the greater reality of our God. Psalm 28 does this perfectly. David reminds us that God is our Lord, rock, helper, strength, shield, and fortress. David was surrounded by fierce enemies but knew he had a more powerful and greater God. No matter what we face God is greater, and God is with us. 1 Corinthians 2-3 tells us that this great God is present with us through his Spirit. The Holy Spirit’s power, wisdom, and presence are available to us as his children. So let us make God, and not fear, the defining characteristic of our lives.
God, my Father, thank you for who you are. Thank you for your greatness and power. Thank you that in you I don't have to live by fear, but instead can live by faith in you. Help me to trust in you today. Amen.
Question of the day: What characteristic of God from Psalm 28 is the best antidote for your fears?
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