Conquering Fear (Psalm 91)

There are some interesting fears out there with very scientific-sounding names: arachibutyrophobia (fear of peanut butter sticking to the roof of your mouth), hippopotomonstroses-quippedaliophobia (ironically, the fear of long words), nomophobia (fear of being without a mobile phone), anatidaephobia (fear of ducks watching you), and pogonophobia (fear of beards). Psalm 91 addresses some less obscure fears which have plagued humanity for all time. 

David mentions lethal traps, deadly pestilence, terrors that “stalk” in the night, deadly weapons in the hands of enemies, plagues, attacks from the wicked, debt collectors, the ferocious lion, and the poisonous snake. (I am guessing all of these threats have fancy names of their own.) Things like this just might keep us awake at night with worry and fear. 

But in Psalm 91, David shares his way of conquering these types of fears. He chooses to depend on the God of the universe to help overcome whatever life throws at him. David assures us, under the Lord’s care, we have nothing to fear. “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’” (Psalm 91:1-2 ESV) If we find refuge in God, David says He will protect us. “Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place – the Most High, who is my refuge – no evil shall be allowed to befall you…” (Psalm 91:9-10a ESV) 

I particularly appreciate David’s acknowledgement that there are plenty of reasons for us to have fear in our dark and broken world. But He also declares, along with the rest of scripture, that if God is for us, who (or what) could be against us? (Romans 8:31) I don’t know which particular fears threaten your joy these days, but I do know that entrusting yourself into the care of the Good Shepherd – the God of the universe – is the best way to overcome whatever life throws at you.

Expectantly,

Shawn