August / September 2019 - Vol. 105

verse from
                  Psalm 34
The Sum of All of Our Fears.

by Tom Caballes

"I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed."
  Psalm 34:4-5 ESV


In life, there is always something we can be afraid of – being made redundant at work, becoming sick from a deadly disease, being involved in a car accident, natural calamities, financial ruin, etc. So, how can we walk through life without giving in to fear all the time? The key is to find THE reason not to be afraid of – God: He knows everything, and He is in control of everything; if we have God in our lives, we can fully trust Him with big and small things. Every fear that we can have boils down to the fear of death – but through Jesus’ death and resurrection, we have already conquered death. The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalms 27:1 ESV) If Jesus has conquered our greatest fear, why can’t we walk and live in radiance, without shame, and without fear?  

So How Do We Live a Faith-Filled Life and not a Fear-filled one?     

  1. If we follow and obey God, know that there is no reason for us to live in fear.  What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? (Romans 8:31-35 ESV)
  2. When you commit your life to God, He makes a two-way deal with you: You focus on following God, and God will take care of your life and needs. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. (Matthew 6:33 ESV) It does not mean all your prayers will be automatically answered from now on, but God will provide everything you need according to His will.  Believe that God is taking care of you all the time. Turn all your anxiety over to God because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7 GW)
  3. Even at the darkest, saddest, and most fearful situation, God will never abandon you. God’s ways are not yours – And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28 ESV) God can redeem your most gruelling experiences in life for good – because He loves you. God can turn your saddest experiences and memories for your good. Trust Him.
  4. Living in fear of anything prevents us from loving and serving God fully as He deserves. Instead of living our lives in radiance and confidence, knowing that God is always there for us, living in fear robs us of joy, peace, and contentment that only God can give. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7 ESV)
  5. Know that God has prepared for you a special dwelling place in heaven [See John 14:2] No matter what life throws at you, even death itself, cannot separate you from God.  For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39 ESV). So live a life in confidence! You will, one day, win – and your prize is an eternal life of joy and bliss with God.
  6. Ultimately, who is in control of your life – you or God? If your life is in God’s hands, be at peace. You are in the best place you can ever be. God knows everything; He cares deeply for you and will never abandon you.
Other Scripture passages:
  1. “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.” (Isaiah 12:2 ESV)
  2. Other Bible verses:  Psalm 91: Psalm 56:3-4; Philippians 4:6; Isaiah 43:1-3 
For personal reflection or group sharing
  • In what ways has fear prevented you from living a full life and giving your all to God? 
Tom Caballes is the National Senior Administrator and a National Coordinator of the Lamb of God, a community of the Sword of the Spirit with 7 branches located throughout New Zealand. Tom also leads Kairos New Zealand, an outreach program for high school, university, and post-university aged people. 

Tom and his wife Mhel and their two daughters live in Wellington, New Zealand.

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