Steady As She Goes!

When a boat is sailing through rough waters, a narrow channel, or where obstacles must be watched for, it can be dangerous to rush on at full speed. In such situations it is with carefulness and steadiness that onward progress can still be made. Life can be pictured in much the same way. Sometimes we can see clear to press on at full speed while others situations call for watchful progression. However, how many lives are made unsteady simply due to FEAR? It seems that many people are constantly imagining the worst. They live in FEAR of things that may or may not ever be experienced. We may not know all that tomorrow holds (or even if there will be a tomorrow), but do we live afraid of what might be?

One of the psalmists noted with regard to the righteous in viewing God…
“(7) He is NOT AFRAID OF BAD NEWS; HIS HEART IS FIRM, TRUSTING in the LORD. (8) HIS HEART IS STEADY; he will NOT BE AFRAID, until he looks in triumph on his adversaries.” ( Psalm 112:7-8 ESV)

Another word beginning with “F” that is intended to replace FEAR is FAITH! Is that the case in our life? Even when bad things happen, have we come to trust God enough to know He will provide the strength necessary for pressing on and that ultimately He will work it out for us? (note Romans 8:28) The psalmist referred to one whose FAITH is established securely in the power of God. It is a TRUST in God that -- rather than leaving one in a state of confusion (though all may not be understood), panic and expectation of the worst -- is able to keep from being moved away from the expectation of Him working things out in accordance with His Will. It is a FAITH like Job who -- after receiving the bad news of his losses -- was still able to worship and praise God. ( Job 1:20-21 ) It is a firm faith like that of Paul who -- knowing some, but not all of what he would face in Jerusalem -- could say, “But none of these things move me.” ( Acts 20:24 NKJV) It is the kind of faith that is able to sustain and aid us in maintaining a firm focus on God while resolving to press on regardless of what is faced.

Though all news we receive may not be good, let us maintain a heart that is firmly fixed on FAITH in God. Even in the face of bad news, the good news is that God is fully aware and CAN BE TRUSTED -- according to His Will and timetable -- to work for our ultimate good. May such a FAITH keep our life steady as we go!

Have a great day GROWING IN THE FAITH THAT FREES FROM FEAR!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Fear