God is on Our Side

This morning started early with a radio interview at 5:15 (the station was in Ohio, on ET). A second interview followed at 8:30. Both hosts wanted to discuss fear. How timely, considering that yesterday was the tenth anniversary of 9/11 and media had splashed the word fear across radio and TV for the past few days.

I’ve personally felt fear sneak up on me several times in the past week. Not in relation to 9/11, but in other ways. First, a cousin’s 2-year-old granddaughter was diagnosed with a brain tumor and underwent surgery on Tuesday. She’ll undergo further surgery this Wednesday. Her family still awaits the pathology report.

Second, the 26-year-old daughter of a local Romanian pastor/friend was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer.

Third, a 3-year-old boy in BC was abducted from his home while he slept. Having friends who live in that community, and being a grandma with grandchildren the same age, my heart raced each time I thought about the little tyke and what he might be experiencing. (Thankfully he was returned unharmed yesterday although his kidnapper remains at large).

My list contained a couple other situations that I’m not free to discuss, but they, too, rattled my nerves and threatened to topple me into a dark pit. In each case, the moment I felt fear encroach, I turned my thoughts to prayer for the well-being of the precious people involved.

I also trained my mind to praise God for who He is—a God who is sovereign, faithful, wise, able to provide, and filled with unfailing love. That was no easy feat; it took great effort to succeed when my emotions tugged me the opposite direction. But guess what happened when I made the deliberate effort to praise? My fears calmed. Whadaya know? They did exactly what Psalm 56:9 says: “My enemies will retreat when I call to you for help. “

I’d be amiss if I failed to mention the latter half of that verse, for it offers huge encouragement in the face of fearful circumstances. It says, “This I know: God is on my side!” These five little words carry the power to transform our minds and perspective. Imagine…God is on our side. That truth means we can always, always rise above whatever we face.

What are you facing today? If fear or uncertainty are stalking you, call these words to mind and reflect on their power: God is on my side. See the difference they make?