From Fear to Faith: A Journey of Trust

Exploring the Comfort of God’s Protection in Troubling Times

Sep 19, 2024

Thou shalt not be afraid

for the terror by night; Nor for the arrow that flieth by day; 6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; Nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. Psalm 91:5–6.

Fear is a decision we make. We choose fear instead of trust. Notice what the verse says: You are not to be afraid. There is no need to be afraid.

So, if we are afraid, we are choosing fear over trust.

Notice what the verses have been saying up to this point. In Psalm 91:1, the believer dwells (sits and remains) in the highest God’s hiding place for us. There, we live under the shadow of the Almighty, under God the most high’s protection.

Fear in Society

Fear is a significant component of life today. From politics to disease, fear spreads across our country. Fear speaks of anxieties, worries, apprehensions, misgivings, qualms, frights, scares, intimidations, alarms, faintheartedness and much more.

What percentage of our society is on some form of antidepressant? Our society is driven by a culture of fear and death from wars, threats of wars, global warming, economic uncertainty, etc.

Fear is the unpleasant emotion caused by the anticipation or awareness of danger. People’s hearts are failing.

Psalm 91:5 says we are not to be afraid either in the day or night.

Fears are more dangerous than even cancer. Notice the word the verse uses: terror. Terror is dread, trembling, crippling anxiety, severe distress, fear that causes shuddering.

Night Terrors

Fears at night are the worst because you can’t see what is happening, and you are in the dark.

I dealt with some of this because my medications were not being applied correctly. At night, I would wake up thinking I couldn’t sleep, fearing that I couldn’t breathe again, reminiscent of when I had COVID. I would feel trapped. Thankfully, when they adjusted my medications, things returned to normal.

Waiting for the day to come, for your family to wake up while you are hurting or afraid, is horrible.

Night terror may mean when you wake up in panic or fear. Some even wake up screaming or crying. They may sweat, have a rapid heart rate, and be panting. They may be confused and disoriented.

Stress, fatigue, sleep deprivation, or fever can trigger these night terrors.

Day Time Fears

These are fears you can see coming at you. They could be literal arrows or weapons formed against you, or evil plots or slanderous accusations. Remember, the psalmist will eat a feast in the very presence of his enemies because the Lord has prepared the table.

There are also devastating destructions that happen in broad daylight.

Hope against Day & Night Terrors

You can know the truth, but notice in Psalm 91:2 that the believer must know this truth to be real and to appropriate it. Say of the Lord, the Great I AM, the Almighty, and say it to Him. He is our refuge, shelter, fortress, and stronghold.

Say it out loud, in faith. He is my God, and I will trust in Him. I know He will deliver, rescue, or snatch me out of trouble. He will protect me from those desiring to harm me and even the pestilence, plague, or sickness.

God, the Most High, the Almighty, the Great I Am, your Father will protect you. That is what the shadow is about. He will put His loving arms around you and above you. You will be covered and protected by him. He will be your shield that completely surrounds you.

Applications from Psalm 91

Believers abide under the shadow, protection of the ALMIGHTY 91:1
Believers are to say God is their refuge and fortress. So make the statements. Say them out loud 91:2.
Undoubtedly, He will deliver us from the attacker 91:3
His truth is our armor and protection, so speak, think, and meditate on truth. 91:4
Do not allow yourself to be afraid instead. Run to the truth and trust in your heavenly Father 91:5.
Victory is ours when we make the Lord our hiding place 91:9
He will be with us in trouble 91:15