THANKFUL

Chatting with Jesus
Tuesday, August 27, 2024

Lord, the psalmist’s statement reveals a great truth.

“I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me; he freed me from all my fears” (Psalm 34:4).

I’m confident of the praying part of his statement. You know our hearts. The prayers of the redeemed and the lost do not fall on deaf ears. You answer according to your will and sovereignty. What is revealing is that in the psalmist’s imperfect, flawed state, he still chased after your heart. He desired to please you, yet in his humanity, he failed often. That sounds so much like me.

The psalmist had faced a physical giant, overwhelmingly bigger than the mere shepherd boy. Who could blame the boy for being fearful. But with a simple slingshot, he slew the giant. After conquering such a foe, how did the psalmist later write how you freed him from his fears? What did such a great man of God and a fearless warrior fear? Probably many of the same things I do. Rejection. Loneliness. Losing your spouse, your child. The list never ends.

Someone said our biggest fear is glossophobia, or in layman’s terms, speaking in public. Count me in that group. However, one fear has haunted mankind since that ugly apple incident in the Garden: Missing God’s grace.

God, you are merciful, offering forgiveness for all who come to you. Sadly, the devil has many fearful they have gone too far and stand condemned before you. Your grace says otherwise. You hear our prayers and assure us your love and grace are unconditional. Humbly coming to you in repentance, we have nothing to fear. As the Scriptures declare, “perfect love casts out all fears” (1 John 4:18). That is so you, Lord.

Amen, Jesus.