Christ’s work of salvation frees us from fear-filled actions.

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 “Behold, God is my salvation;
I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the LORD GOD is my strength and my song,
and he has become my salvation.”
Isaiah 12:2 English Standard Version

There wasn’t much room for this bird to hide, but he did the best that he could. Fleeing to these leaves gave him his best chance to survive.

Tracy Aviary, Salt Lake City, Utah

Fear often dictates our behavior. Fight or flight become our choices. Fear can motivate us to put on the boxing gloves and fight our way out of a situation, or fear can prompt us to flee and seek shelter in the bushes.

Fear often takes us to the level of self-preservation. This guy knew that as long as he remained hidden nothing bad could happen to him. However, other birds like geese are known for fighting as a way of preserving their lives. Why experience pain when you can inflict it on your enemy?

Isaiah saw no reason to flee or fight because he was enveloped in God’s salvation. Because of God’s salvation he would trust God and not be afraid, and not flee or fight his way to safety. God was his safety. The Lord God was his strength. The Lord God was his song that brought him comfort.

Isaiah’s God is the same God who is our salvation. We are encompassed with the salvation of Christ. It goes before us and it follows after us. It is Christ that we trust and Christ who quiets our fears. It is Christ who is our strength and song.

We will face times when our safety is threatened. May we be strengthen by God when facing these difficulties so that we walk in his salvation. Because of his salvation we’re no longer slaves to fear.

Text and Picture Copyright Douglas P Brauner