Fear

Millions of people were out of work. Worries about a global war were on the rise. Within the political arena, there were sharp divisions. Many were anxious and fearful about the future.

This was the background when, on this night in 1938, millions of Americans were caught in the grip of a radio broadcast. It was a dramatization of War of the Worlds, a novel written by H.G. Wells, that told of a fictitious invasion of Earth by Martians. The producers thought this was just entertainment, but the broadcast was so believable that panic erupted throughout the nation.

This response shows how easily fear can grip our lives. We can be influenced by images we see, by what we read and hear, by gossip and rumors.

David was a man who had many reasons to experience fear—fear in battle, fear of enemies, fear of dangers of many kinds. But David learned that when he was afraid he could trust in God. When he did, God removed his fears. He trusted God so completely that he could ask, “What can man do to me?”

David’s son, Solomon, also realized the benefit of trusting the Lord. He wrote, “Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the LORD will be at your side and will keep your foot from being snared” (Proverbs 3:25-26 NIV).

Today, no matter what is going on in the world, God can free you from fear. Trust in Him completely! Let Him give you His peace.

Don’t give in to anxiety or worry. Never panic. Remember to place your full faith in God.