The Dragon

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you…

in God I trust and am not afraid.

Psalm 56:3-4

“Marmee, hold me!” The parade was beginning, and Elysen’s face showed her excitement. As the parade passed by, she waved at every princess. We bounced to the familiar tunes. She even shook hands with Jiminy Cricket!

All was glorious, right up to the moment the fire-breathing dragon came into view. My grand daughter buried her head against my shoulder. To her, that dragon was real. No words could convince her otherwise. Temporarily, her joy was gone; that is, until the dragon passed by. Then, once again, she was beaming.

Elysen feared that which wasn’t real. It appeared real to her, but it wasn’t. Can you relate? Have you ever feared that which you thought might happen, but your fear never materialized?

Michel de Montaigne lived 500 years ago. He once said, “My life has been filled with terrible misfortune; most of which never happened.” It’s been said that 99% of what you fear never happens. A recent study revealed the percentage to be closer to 85%. What’s my point? Most of what you and I fear never materializes. But, fear does accomplish something. It robs us of present joy!

The Bible speaks of one kind of fear as good—the fear of the LORD. Fearing God, which is demonstrated through reverence and surrender, brings peace, security and confidence to the believer.

Psalm 112 talks about those who fear the Lord. The psalmist says, They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the LORD. Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear (Psalm 112:7-8).

What fear is plaguing you—fear of death, fear of financial ruin, fear of a broken relationship? Will you ask God to help you replace misdirected fear with fear of Him? As you move forward in the fear of the Lord, He will be your confidence (Proverbs 3:25-26), and He will strengthen and uphold you. (Isaiah 41:10)

Father, remove my wayward fears and strengthen my fear in You.

Jan Burkhart