Great Verses of the Bible: Psalm 118:6

It was on March 4, 1933, that President Franklin D. Roosevelt delivered that famous line in his first inaugural address: “The only thing we have to fear is….fear itself.”

Now 84 years later various polls indicate that Americans are more afraid than ever before. People fear for their personal safety, and national security, and economic well being. Americans fear our country is on the wrong track.

Since the contentious Presidential campaign of 2016 and the subsequent election of Donald Trump, we have heard the word “fear” used many times by those in the main stream media regarding his Presidency. One internet article entitled, “Fear is a total rational reaction to the Donald Trump presidency,” bombarded its readers with reasons to be afraid.

Regardless of your political persuasion, economic status, or ethnic heritage, all Bible believers have plenty of reasons to be filled with faith and hope. The Psalmist assures us with these words, “The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (Ps 118:6)

This Psalm of David is a powerful song of praise to Jehovah. But it also reveals that David dealt with pain, pressure and problems. Of what kind, we’re not totally sure. It could be when his life was being threatened by King Saul and he was on the run in the wilderness.

Nevertheless, David expresses his faith, trust and confidence in Jehovah. Whatever happened to David, he truly believed that God was on his side. Regardless of what someone did to him, he entrusted his life to God. Thus, he could live with no fear.

No fear.

What an admirable way to live one’s life. To be undaunted by the dangers of terrorist threats. To be unfazed by the cries of alarmists whose motives are suspect. To live unshaken by the instability of rogue nations. To be undeterred by the taunts of unbelievers. To be unflinching in the face of challenges to our faith. To be unfaltering when others fail us. To be unalarmed at economic uncertainty. And to be unafraid when fear knocks at the door.

How can this be? What can give one this kind of courage? Who can sustain us through tough times?

The Lord. He is on our side. He will not fail us. Forsake us. Or forget us. We can rest assured in the promise of His divine providence and His watchful care.

What is the worse thing man can do to you? Ridicule you? Threaten you? Oppress you? Hurt you? Even take your life?

No one can annihilate your faith. Or shatter your hope. Or extinguish your love. No one can destroy your inner peace. Or conquer your spirit. Or invade your soul. No human can suppress your will. Or silence your courage. Or rob you of eternal life.

The words of G. K. Chesterton serve as an appropriate warning and reminder. “We fear men so much, because we fear God so little. One fear cures another. When man’s terror scares you, turn your thoughts to the wrath of God.”

Indeed the knowledge God’s wrath on the ungodly combined with His love, mercy and goodness will fortify, strengthen and embolden us.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman