by Desiree Bustamante

God provides courage and a fresh perspective against fear.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking this SoundCloud link.

“I love the Lord because he hears my voice

    and my prayer for mercy.

Because he bends down to listen,

    I will pray as long as I have breath!

How kind the Lord is! How good he is!

    So merciful, this God of ours!

Let my soul be at rest again,

    for the Lord has been good to me.”

Psalm 116: 1-5, 7 New Living Translation

Unless we’re riding a rollercoaster or watching a scary movie, our society hates to admit feeling afraid. Somehow, we’ve bought into the idea that we should be able to conquer all our fears in our own strength and never doubt that we have the power to do it. But scripture reveals that is not true. Many in the Bible faced tough times when courage dissolved to fear. David wrote psalm after psalm disheartened and afraid of his enemies. But David had an amazingly intimate relationship with God. He knew with certainty that God heard and answered his heartfelt prayers and would give him courage.

We have a mighty God who does not want us to be afraid. When life overwhelms us, from minor troubles that build up daily to the daunting events that change our lives, He desires to rescue our crushed spirits and heal our broken hearts. He replenishes courage, restores hope and transforms minds. The buffaloes in our lives have no choice but to stand down in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ.

While we live out our days on earth, our problems will never entirely disappear. But if we stay close to God, He promises to bring His fresh new perspective of light into the darkness that invades those difficult days. He will be with you through it all, every single moment.

“Be strong and take courage! God is with you!”  

2 Corinthians 4:17 New Living Translation

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church Colorado Springs, Colorado