Will you yield your fears to his promises?

I decided to create Wisdom Matters because so many people I knew ended their day with the evening news and then struggled to fall asleep. There is increased anxiety and worry among God’s people and a sense that God’s family is moving in some wrong directions. Christians don’t need to worry, but we do need to seek God and his wisdom.

Jesus told his disciples, “You will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately” (Matthew 24:6 NLT). When Jesus said “don’t panic,” his words were in the form of a command. In other words, panic is not our option.

Every generation has wars. Every generation has worries and concerns. Every network does its best to sensationalize the news these days because simply reporting the facts will send most of its viewers to a different network.

Wisdom Matters is intended to bring biblical truth that will transcend the thoughts and opinions created by the world’s news. In the end, we have the certainty of our salvation. We therefore live each day with the confidence that whatever our earthly lives hand us, we have nothing to fear.

Jesus didn’t tell us to try to be brave. Jesus said, “Don’t be afraid.” The psalmist said, “The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid.” The most important word in that verse is the two-letter word my. A stronghold is a fort, providing walls of protection. The psalmist was saying, “If I run to God and take refuge in him, I will have nothing to fear.” God cannot be our refuge or stronghold until we run to him and give him that place in our lives.

If you have ever watched a toddler become frightened, you have watched them run as quickly as they can to the person they most trust to keep them safe. The parent, grandparent, or caregiver scoops them up and speaks quietly in their ear, “It’s okay. You are safe with me.”

Compared to God, you and I aren’t even toddlers! The illustration is still true. Our Abba, Father, is present and ready to protect all who will run to him. We have been commanded, “Do not panic, do not be afraid.” The only way not to break those commands is to know and trust the One you can run to at any time.

Of whom are you afraid? Don’t be. Run to God and rest in his perfect, protective love. When God said not to panic, he wasn’t making a suggestion for your spiritual life; he was giving you a command. Yielding to God is spiritual strength. He is your stronghold, your fortress, and it is wise to live there.