Not If, But When

November 4, 2019

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. Psalm 56:3

This is David the mighty warrior speaking. Notice he does not say, “I never struggle with fear.” He doesn’t even say, “In case I ever face fear.” He owns it at the start. “When I am afraid, I choose my reaction.” Fear strikes, and the battle begins. God does not assume that true believers will have no anxieties. Instead, He tells us how to fight when they strike.

I wear glasses and have come to realize it isn’t a question of IF they will get dirty—it’s WHEN they will get dirty. I clean them every morning but within a couple of hours they are smudged with faceprints and fingerprints. I don’t get irritated. I know what to do. I carry eyeglass cleaners everywhere—in my purse, the car, my office, in my nightstand. When they get dirty, my choice is already pre-made. I turn to the eyeglass cleaners and fix the situation quickly. To the person who must deal with feelings of anxiety most every day, I recommend this system. Own that your anxiety is normal; it’s going to happen. Pre-decide that when it begins to arise, you will turn to God and trust Him.

We fight anxieties by fighting against unbelief and fighting for faith in God’s future work in and for us. And the way you fight this “good fight” is by turning to Him in trust and faith. He will help you clear your mind of unbelief, and the Holy Spirit will convince you of His presence and guidance.

The work of the Spirit and the word of truth are the great faith-builders that God uses. Both are necessary as we choose to trust in God. We read the promises of God and we pray for the help of His Spirit. Our glasses get clean, and we can see realistically. NOTHING is too big for us and God to handle.

When our children were young and facing fears, we taught them to say this verse (Psalm 56:3). I still do it, and the Lord always comes to my aid.

  • Memorize Psalm 56:3. Practice saying it today before you go into situations guaranteed to create a little chaos.
  • Thank Him for the constant, calming presence of His Holy Spirit.