You shall not be afraid of the terror by night,
Nor of the arrow that flies by day,
Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness,
Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday. (NKJV)
The elephant in the room is the unknown. If not addressed properly, the reality of fear is inevitable. Fear is the bully of all bullies, and it has conquered even the mightiest of men. You’ve heard the popular definition of rear: “False Evidence Appearing Real”. I submit to you that the evidence is very real to the person who is operating in fear.
There will always be the opportunity to be entangled by the grip of this emotion. If fear is tolerated, then your faith will be contaminated. They cannot exist at the same time. Here are four categories of fear that David addressed in the Psalm:
Terror by night– evils that come through man; robbery, kidnapping, murder, etc.
Arrow by Day – specific enemy assignments targeted for your life; areas targeted to do the most damage (Satan attacks exposed areas)
Pestilence – contagious or infectious epidemic disease
Destruction that lays waste – natural disasters; tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, etc.
To remove us from the opportunity for fear is to remove us from the planet. If you’re like me, I’m not trying to see Jesus just yet. But the Father always provides a way of escape (1Cor. 10:13). The comfort and presence of a loving Father is sufficient even in the presence of fear. You recall when you as a child were afraid to sleep in your own bed. You went to your parents room because just being in their presence brought you peace and rest.
God himself has said, I will not in any way fail you, nor give you up; nor leave you without support. I will not, I will not, I will not in any degree leave you helpless, nor forsake you, nor let you down or relax my hold on you! Assuredly not! So take comfort and be encouraged, and confidently and body say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be seized with alarm; I will not fear or be terrified. What can man do to me? Hebrews 13:5-6 (AMPC Paraphrased)
You never have to fear the unknown when you are connected to the one who knows everything. Take courage my friend.
