Many of us sit daily for hours in front of our televisions spellbound with our emotions set on full alert watching our national news feed. The primary driver of these newscasts are ratings and we are daily taken on a journey from one riveting catastrophe to another. In 8th century BC, the prophet Isaiah admonishes so accurately that you would think that he was editorializing a newscast this very morning, “Do not call conspiracy everything this people calls a conspiracy; do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it. The Lord Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread. He will be a holy place.” (Isaiah 8:12-14). He challenges us to get off the daily treadmill of fear and dread that dominates our current world globally and fear God alone. “He is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread. He will be a holy place.”
Psalm 118:6-8 challenges and instructs us, “The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? The Lord is with me; he is my helper. I look in triumph on my enemies. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans.” The almighty Lord is with us so do not be afraid. Why fear men? Then, the Psalmist wisely and powerfully instructs us, “take refuge in the Lord (rather) than to trust in humans.”
The word “refuge” is a strong, encouraging, securing word. Synonyms are shelter, protection, safety, sanctuary, security, safe house, safe harbor. Rather than burying yourself under the cares of the world, learn to trust in the Lord and allow Him to envelope you with his love, grace, mercy, strength, and might. The following verses will help you take refuge in God:
- 1 John 4:4, “The one in us is greater than the one in the world”
- John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
- 2 Timothy 1:7, “God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control.”
- Proverbs 3:5&6, “Trust in the Lord with all you heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
Do not allow yourself to get caught up with the fear of man or the trepidation in this world. Take comfort and refuge in our God not being consumed by daily newscasts nor the fear of man.“Do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts” (1 Peter 3:14&15). Fear God not man.
Barnabas Man 