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GETTING A GRIP ON FEAR

God is our refuge -- he is our place of safety. We can always go to him no matter how bad things are, no matter how fearful we may be. He is always ready to place his protecting arms around us, to shield us from the attacks of the enemy. He is there to soothe our fears, and calm our spirit.

God’s help is not just barely enough, but in abundance. He is ever willing to place all the resources of the universe at our side to help us through our trouble. He does not say he will keep us from all trouble, but he is there to help us through it.

1. God is a shelter (vs 1-3)

The writer of the Psalm is in a tight corner. The message to him is "do not fear". The death of a loved one can cause pressure and things can seem to fall about. God is a shelter so do not fear. God will protect us. He will not pamper. He will strengthen us. God gives us promises not explainations. Because our trust is in God, we will not fear no matter what disasters may occur around us. Fear is our biggest enemy. It is the opposite of faith. When we allow fear to grip our hearts, we find our faith slipping away. As long as we have faith that God is in control, no disaster can cause us to fear.

The more we inspect the storms around us, the less we think of God’s help, and soon we discover full-blown fear engulfing us. The psalmist lists 4 events that would cause the strongest person to fear: -

the earth changing - E.g. Genesis 7:11. Noah and the flood. Noah had never seen rain before, let alone a flood, but his faith carried him and his family through the earth being changed. A great cause for fear became to Noah an opportunity for faith.
mountains falling in the sea - E.g. Acts 27:18 tells us the ship Paul was on was "being exceedingly tossed with a tempest." But Paul stood up in the midst and in faith declared that none would be lost. A great cause for fear became to Paul an opportunity for faith. What storm are you facing? Are the winds howling all around you, and do you fear that you will drown in the waves of sorrow and despair which are all around you? Jesus will quiet your storm. And just as he did for Paul, he will bring you through it safely. Don’t be afraid
waters roaring - Moses was at Mount Sinai when according to Exodus 19:18, "the whole mount quaked greatly." Instead of turning away in fear, he climbed the Mount in faith, and it was there he, and all of us, received the ten commandments. A great cause for fear became to Moses an opportunity for faith.
mountains shaking - Matthew 21:21, "If ye have faith...ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be cast into the sea; it shall be done." A great cause for fear according to Jesus is an opportunity for faith. So what mountain are you facing? What obstacle has been placed in your way that has caused fear to grip your heart? Ask yourself: are you spending most of your time looking at the mountain in fear, or are you looking to Jesus in faith? He will remove that mountain out of your way. No matter how large, or insurmountable it may seem. We just need to learn to place our trust in God, and not fear.

2. God is a stream (vs 4-7)

Water is so important. Jerusalem did not have a river so Hezekiah created a tunnel from the pool of Siloam into the city. The message is "do not faint". Water can be used for washing and drinking. It can refresh on the inside and outside. God is a stream and we are to draw from Him. Have you been to this stream? There is no other stream that can meet all our needs. The is a unique importance with this water. It brings: -

Happiness (vs 4)
Holiness (vs 4)
Hope (vs 5-7)

3. God is a soldier (vs 8-11)

The message is "do not fight". The biggest problem in the church is ourselves. We constantly fail to do things we want to do. We are to still. Take your hands off and relax. Let God fight. He can't lose - there is no one stronger!

God announces to the world that He will be exalted among the nations, will be exalted in the earth. He is exalted throughout the universe as He sits enthroned in glory in the heavens of the heaven. But the time will come when He will be exalted among the nations here upon the earth and will reign in the city of Jerusalem. On this point see Psalm 132.