Devotional on Fear

Written by: Rick Velez

Read Habakkuk 3:16-19

Although the prophet Habakkuk knew that tragedy was coming, it still struck fear in his heart. As he waited for the day when Babylon would invade the kingdom of Judah, his heart pounded, his lips quivered, and his legs trembled (Hab. 3:16).

Fear is a legitimate emotion in the face of tragedy, but it doesn’t have to immobilize us. When we don’t understand the trials we are going through, we can recount how God has worked in history (VV. 3-15). That’s what Habakkuk did. It didn’t dispel his fear, but it gave him the courage to move on by choosing to praise the Lord (V. 18).

Our God who has proven Himself faithful throughout the years is always with us. Because His character doesn’t change, in our fear we can say with a confident voice of faith, “The Sovereign Lord is my strength!” (V. 19).

Read Psalm 77:1-15 

These are four thoughts to keep you going.

1) Look up and pray.
Asaph prayed all night long and even expressed feelings that God had forgotten and rejected him (PS. 77:9-10). We can tell God everything and be honest about our feelings. We can ask Him anything. His answer may not come right away or in the form we want or expect, but he won’t criticize us for asking.
2) Look back and remember what God has done in the past for you and others.
Asaph didn’t talk to God only about the pain; he also recalled God’s power and mighty works for him and God’s people. He wrote, “I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago” (V. 11).
3) Look forward.
Think about the good that might come out of this situation. What might you learn? What might God want to do? What do you know He will do because His ways are perfect? (V. 13).
4) Look again.
This time look at your circumstances with eyes of faith. Remind yourself that He is the God of great wonders and can be trusted (V. 14).


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