Peace Versus Fear - Be Intentional: Choose Wisely

“But the men who had gone up with him said, ‘We can’t attack those people; they are stronger than we are.’” (Numbers 13:31, NIV)

I collapse in the face of fear. It is the quickest way to bring me down and the enemy knows it. I often resemble the Israelites who marched out of Egypt boldly after the tenth plague only to crumble like stale cake two verses later at the sight of their enemies in fast pursuit (Exodus 14:8). My heart can deflate in an instant when faced with a scary situation.

But I know I am not alone.

Fear is just as rampant in the Scriptures as it is in our daily lives. All throughout the tissue pages of my Bible are stories of real people dealing with real angst-filled problems. The Israelites were known for wobbly knees and trembling hearts as clearly seen in Numbers 13.

When the Israelites first escaped Egypt, we find them trudging through the desert enroute to the Promised Land. They arrive at the border and Moses charges 12 men to enter the land and report back their findings. Two returned confident, but the other ten were teetering on the edge of panic.

“The people who live there are powerful, and the cities are fortified and very large,” they announced (v. 28). In addition, “We can’t attack those people; they are stronger than we are” (v. 31). Finally, as an exclamation point to their report they said, “The land we explored devours those living in it” (v. 32).

Their account sent the rest of the Israelites into hysterics, and they bemoaned their escape from Egypt and begged to return. Fear not only paralyzed them in the present, but it caused them to forget the past. God’s faithful power, provision, and protection had vanished in an instant. Fear had the Israelites by the throat and their faith was quickly squeezed out.

Fear aims to create a future scenario that does not include the power and presence of God. The goal is to imagine a situation where God is absent or not in control, leaving us paralyzed to move forward. The 10 spies pictured going toe-to-toe with giants, forgetting God’s toes would be there, too.

In addition, fear’s nature is to give us spiritual amnesia. As it wipes God from our future, it simultaneously wipes Him from our past. Suddenly we forget the majesty and magnificence of our very mighty Father. How quickly the Israelites had forgotten how powerfully God had led them out of Egypt!

Fear has no power over us as long as we keep our Heavenly Father in the center of our circumstances. Facing a health crisis, a wayward child, or a life of singleness? God can strengthen and empower you to live through each of those with confidence and even joy. His presence is all we need. So, how do we access it?

The key to unlocking that power is choosing to visualize Him within our circumstances. Imagine Him sitting in the doctor’s office with you, walking next to your wayward child, or holding your lonely heart. Use His past faithfulness to strengthen your visualization. Remember His power, provision, and protection and allow that to steady you and instill confidence in you.

God is not absent, weak, or unaware. So don’t picture Him as such. Think of Him as Scripture depicts Him and place Him in the center of your story. Do not let fear master or manipulate you by erasing God from your future. Let His omnipresence comfort your soul and give you rest.

You are not alone, dear one. And don’t let fear tell you otherwise! Choose wisely. Choose His presence. Choose peace.

Be Intentional: What future scenario do you fear? Spend a few minutes picturing God in it with you. Journal your thoughts so you can read them later for encouragement.