He delivered me from all my fears

Every day we're reading or listening to part of the Bible together and sharing thoughts with you. Today it’s Bern Leckie:

What did I like about today’s passage?

I love that God speaks through and to people who have been gripped by fear.

The writer David’s fears may have been rooted in particular people and events or a more general sense of struggle, being at risk, surrounded by opposition and malice. The uncomfortable details which grabbed my attention were the haters who “maliciously wink the eye” and say, “Aha! Aha!” (This reminded me of times when I have felt undermined, as if people wanted me to fail, as well as a slightly scary episode of “I’m Alan Partridge”…)

It sounds like David had lots to cause him to fear, but one firm commitment to his refuge from danger. “I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.”

Praise God? Even in the hardest times? That might sound incredible. But I love that it was when David was looking towards God, in faith with praise and thankfulness, that God revealed his glory: his recognisable presence, promising protection and deliverance.

What did it show me about Father God, Jesus or the Holy Spirit?

God can be recognised and found by people seeking him when afraid and needing rescue. When any of us looks towards him with faith, our values can align with God’s, turning us away from evil and towards good, away from panic and towards peace worth pursuing (an overwhelming wellbeing in good relationships, not quiet isolation.)

God expects his people to be able to make a positive difference to the world, and he equips us to do so, defending us when needed. “The fear of the Lord” mentioned by David is not a paralysing force which stops us from doing anything in case we mess up. It’s the commitment to swap all other fears for respect for God, a faith which lets him direct us.

What am I going to do differently as a result?

We are clearly in a time when fear is rising. Avoiding too much physical contact (and certain newspapers) might help, but I get the sense that God does not want us to feel isolated right now.

I want to remember and share with others that our primary source of hope and life is in God. I want this to determine how I treat other people.

To “seek peace and pursue it” reminds me to grow relationships with neighbours as well as “people of peace” we might have found encouraging. We should ask around to see how we can help in practical ways like food shopping, childcare or things we don’t yet know.

Who am I going to share this with?

My family, our neighbours and school community.