Sudden fear…Certain disaster?!

The fear that comes with a sudden attack, problem or adverse circumstance can instantly make you feel crushed, exposed and vulnerable.  How did Jesus cope?  His own town folk grabbed Him in a sudden and murderous uproar and rushed him to a cliff’s edge to throw Him off head first (Luke 4:28 – 30).  Jesus miraculously passed through them and walked away free and safe.  He experienced their sudden anger, saw and felt the sense of imminent danger and was broken hearted at the hate in their eyes.   But Jesus was never under threat.  The mob couldn’t hurt Him because God’s promises and protection couldn’t be broken. 

The bottom line is NOTHING ever caught Jesus by surprise. As He is the same yesterday, today and forever there is nothing in your life that either surprises Him or frightens Him.  Is someone or something trying to kill you, plot against you, ridicule and slander you or even demand payment off you?  Jesus not only has the power to deliver you but He has your answer planned and your steps ordered (Matthew 6:8; Psalm 56: 3 – 13; Psalm 37:23).   Put your feelings in check, check that your focus has not been taken off God and watch Jesus checkmate your enemy before your very eyes.  The Psalmist gets it spot on when he writes, “Let them curse but bless thou: when they arise, let them be ashamed; but let thy servant rejoice.  Let mine adversaries be clothed with shame, and let them cover themselves with their own confusion, as with a mantle”, Psalm 109:28-29. 

But let us not forget that the human factor does at times kick in.  There are times when the best of us feel completely disillusioned and undermined by a sudden attack, bad news or sense of failure.  If this should be the case then yet again follow the example and advice of the Psalmist, “For I said in my haste, I am cut off from before Thine eyes: nevertheless Thou heardest the voice of my supplications when I cried unto Thee” (Psalm 31:22).  Don’t feel you have blown it because you have blown up and momentarily lost control.  Quickly turn the tide on the approaching danger  – repent and run into the arms of a forgiving God who answers your prayers (Mathew 7: 7-12; Psalm 34:4; Hebrews 11: 6; Hebrews 13: 5 – 6; Psalm 86: 7).