As I listened to her share her thoughts, I lost track of how many fearful expressions she uttered. Phrases like “that’s frightening” and “that’s so scary” tumbled from her lips repeatedly, each variation steeped in anxiety. The distress etched on her face spoke volumes; it was as if she were carrying a heavy burden of fear—yet, a self created burden. What struck me most was the realization that the sources of her fear were largely unfounded—an overwhelming collection of what-ifs clouding her mind.
What left me profoundly puzzled was that she was a Christian. It felt as though we were interpreting the Bible through completely different lenses and praying to a different God.
This conversation wasn’t an isolated incident. In fact, countless exchanges in daily life reveal a prevalent theme: many people are shackled by fear. It’s astonishing to consider that many Americans grapple with such internal turmoil, especially when many around the globe confront genuine threats. Our anxieties often stem from hypothetical scenarios, a fear of losing our comfortable lives, or a reluctance to step outside our protective bubbles. Meanwhile, those facing true adversities seem to embody a peace that often eludes us.
In our quest for security, we meticulously construct a life defined by what we perceive as safe. We fortify every corner, flee from anything that feels unfamiliar, and pass up opportunities for new experiences. Far too often, we choose the dull predictability of a mundane existence over the exhilarating journey of trusting in God.
Then came my epiphany: nowhere in Scripture does it instruct us to “be safe.” Instead, we are consistently reminded to “be strong and courageous” because the Lord is always with us.
We attempt to control our circumstances, thinking we can create our own safety rather than placing our trust in God’s sovereign plan. In C.S. Lewis’s The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, Susan asks Beaver if Aslan, the lion symbolizing God, is safe to which he quickly replies, “Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good.”
Living in fear and building a life of “safety” is not really living. In contrast, embracing a full life means placing our trust in a good God, who promises to carry us in the palm of His hand.
We all have our life verses that guide and inspire us. During my college years, my life verse was actually a life chapter: Psalm 91. This passage brought me great peace and comfort and captures the beauty that comes from living in the shelter of God. For all who desire safety and not being afraid, I believe this chapter brings profound truth.
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”
Surely he will save you
from the fowler’s snare
and from the deadly pestilence.
He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.
A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.
You will only observe with your eyes
and see the punishment of the wicked.
If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,”
and you make the Most High your dwelling,
no harm will overtake you,
no disaster will come near your tent.
For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;
they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
You will tread on the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
“Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
He will call on me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.
With long life I will satisfy him
and show him my salvation.”
Living fearlessly comes from living tethered to the Lord. We have one life and God promised us it would be abundant as we abide in Him. To read more about the great exchange God has for us as we give Him our fear, read this short eBook HERE.
May we continue to live…
Rooted in Him,
