Ups and Downs of Fears, Worries, and Anxieties
“Cherished” family photo of me hanging on for dear life in fear as I endure the ups and downs — you may like being on a roller coaster, but it scares me sometimes! (although my smiling daughter loves them)
Over the past few days everyone has been grappling and adjusting to this current reality of living, working, and ministering in the midst of a pandemic. In the work of gospel ministry and in our SBC of Virginia family, so many conversations have been happening among pastors and ministry leaders. A highlight I must share with you is we are seeing the Lord lead pastors and churches through this unique challenge. Much of the past several days has been focused on the hard work of rapidly learning and helping one another seek to minister in the face of these challenges.
However, today, I am making a confession: often as a leader, as a family man, as a follower of Christ, I can have ups and downs as I grapple with fears, worries, and anxieties.
Many saints can testify to how reading the Psalms provides comfort as we find that we are not alone in struggling with fear and that God is with us when we fear.
Billy Graham testified how he would read five psalms a day. I have heard our own SBCV president and pastor Dr. McFarland talk about reading psalms as he looks to the Lord day by day.
Psalm 27 is an example of the comforting Word of God. “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” - (Psalm 27:1)
God’s Word reminds me to…
1. Be Confident in the Lord’s Protection (Psalm 27:1-3)
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?...
2. Be Confident in the Lord’s Presence (Psalm 27:4-6)
For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock…
Hear, O LORD, when I cry aloud; be gracious to me and answer me! You have said, “Seek my face.” My heart says to you, “Your face, LORD, do I seek.”
3. Be Confident in the Lord’s Promises (Psalm 27:7-12)
In verse 7-12, David highlights three areas where we can count on the Lord to keep His Word:
The Lord will HEAR you. (27:7-8)
The Lord will HELP you. (27:9-10)
The Lord will GUIDE you. (27:11-12)
4. Be Confident in the Lord’s Goodness (Psalm 27:13-14)
In verse 13 – David states His personal FAITH in the Lord’s GOODNESS.
I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living! Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!
What do you fear?
Loneliness? Jesus says, "Never will I forsake you, never will I leave you."
Loss of income? His Word says, "And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches.”
Do you fear death? Jesus says, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he die...”
What Scriptures have brought you comfort in these days?
You are not alone,
Brian Autry