News reports of attacks, death, battles, wars, and the absolute horror of the evil of man against man seems devastating and the mind wants to just shut down. There seems to be no end to the tragedies of life. Bar the windows, lock the doors, keep out anyone and everyone, and run to the shelters.

I understand, I slept with a loaded gun under my pillow for over a year. I’ve known fear — deep, dark dreadful fear. The overwhelming presence of evil, the phone call that says you are being watched, the diagnosis that says hope is gone, the hospital room with cries of agony. And it’s all just too much. Fear comes like a flood, wave over wave churning up emotions reeling the mind with despair and dread.

I wonder how did the early church go through the terrors they endured? How does the underground church of today make it through their days? How do we boldly move forward? How do we make it through this flooding fear? Run to The Word!

The other day I watched a video of a situation in Europe that filled me with fear. I could barely process or think. I couldn’t get the images out of my mind until I opened my Bible and started reading the Psalms. I started in Psalm 1 and kept reading of our awesome God — His promises, His rescues, His restoration, His unfailing love and peace returned.

God’s word is truth which brings peace. The Bible is living water that refreshes the weary soul.

Jesus (The Word) said, “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” ~ John 16:33 (NASB)

Another thing I’ve found helpful is remembering God will help others through their situation. I am not the Savior. I am to join God in the ways He prompts me – through prayer, financial aid when called for, and perhaps hands-on help. I must remember God’s grace is available for every person in need. His grace, His saving grace, His supplying grace, and His grace to walk through difficulties will be there for the person in need. God doesn’t need to give me grace to walk through something I’m not walking through. However, when His Spirit prompts me to do something, I need to do that thing!

One important factor is remembering not to carry the offenses of someone else. It’s SO easy to be offended at what is happening in this world and evil is offensive. But don’t be offended at God. We can’t see the big picture, we don’t see how God is working. We must remember God is always in control, and nothing catches Him by surprise. God is loving and He is always good.

God’s rescues come in various forms – sometimes through blocking an attack, sometimes through healing, sometimes through various methods that we prefer, but His rescues also come by bringing someone safely into His presence. Satan is behind all the evil, so be offended at him!

If fear is flooding your soul, take your soul to The Savior. Run to God’s Word. When you need shelter, run to the shelter of God. When fear is flooding, ride the wave on the shoulders of The One who calms the waves.

If you would be willing, read the verses below and allow God’s truth to wash over you to bring you peace. If possible read the verses aloud. Speak truth into fear and fear will leave.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” ~ Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

“For I am the Lord your God, who upholds your right hand, who says to you, ‘Do not fear, I will help you.’” ~ Isaiah 41:13 (NASB)

“If the Lord had not been on our side when people attacked us, they would have swallowed us alive when their anger flared against us; the flood would have engulfed us, the torrent would have swept over us, the raging waters would have swept us away. Praise be to the Lord, who has not let us be torn by their teeth. We have escaped like a bird from the Fowler’s snare; the snare has been broken, and we have escaped. Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” ~ Psalm 124:2-8 (NIV)

“Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven.” ~ Psalm 107:28-30 (NIV)

“O Lord God of hosts, who is mighty like You, O Lord? Your faithfulness also surrounds You. You rule the raging of the sea; when its waves rise, You still them.” ~ Psalm 89:8-9 (NKJV)

“You answer us with awesome and righteous deeds, God our Savior, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas, who formed the mountains by your power, having armed yourself with strength, who stilled the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves, and the turmoil of the nations. The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders; where morning dawns, where evening fades, you call forth songs of joy.” ~ Psalm 65:5-8 (NIV)

From Present in His Presence by Lisa Buffaloe

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